Hempnall FC

Hempnall played Hockering Res in the Primary League Cup final  on the 3G pitch at the FDC in front of a good sized crowd. 

Hempnall started well with Ryan Cullabine looking dangerous up front, and with Jamie Keane on the wing, Hockering were struggling to cope, but we were being treated to an end to end game as Hockering were responding well with decent attacks of their own. The Hempnall defence, excellently marshalled by Simon Cullabine, coped with Hockering's flurries. The Hempnall goalkeeper was off his line quickly, he caught well and easily intercepted any danger. 

Hempnall went ahead after a few half chances and probably should have been out of sight if their half chances were converted, but finally went ahead through Keane. 

Hockering responded and were treated to an own goal for 1-1 at half time. 

Hockering came out stronger second half, but Hempnall went ahead through Keane once again, for 2-1.

Simon Cullabine had to go off with an ankle injury, and that was the start of the decline in Hempnall performance, and with no disrespect to the substitutes, losing your best player, the defensive glue, was always going to be difficult. 

Hockering were getting stronger, Hempnall looked more vulnerable, and the inevitable happened, Hockering found a way through, for 2-2. 

Hockering then looked the most likely, and in fairness, their third and winning goal was worthy of winning any game, a great shot to the top corner, no keeper would have saved it. 

Hempnall could have made it 3 but for last ditch defending from Hockering, but the game ended 2-3, and probably a fair result. Well done to Hockering but disappointing for Hempnall. 

We are proud of the boys, our first final for many years. 

Well done Tom and the boys.