Hempnall FC

Hempnall welcomed CEYMS Reserves in the Junior Cup, and being similarly positioned in the League, a close contest could be expected.

Hempnall were missing a few today, Etherington and Rees called off for sickness, and Batterham on holiday, with Womack working. but Hempnall were able to field a competitive side.

Both teams started brightly, and with Herbert, in a fine run of form looking threatening from the start, his first run forced the keeper out of his box to clear.

Both teams were looking to go forward, and early in the game, Orford saw his shot from 20 yards hit the back of the net for Hempnall’s first.

Herbert then had a speculative shot which didn’t trouble the keeper, and Hempnall were looking comfortable.

CEYMS kept playing some decent football and good defending saw Hempnall resist, whislt at the other end, the final ball just eluded the forwards.

A couple of corners were kept out, though Orford in particular was looking confident and his cross-shot went close with Cattermole just unable to convert it at the far post.

Hempnall kept pressing and further dangerous corners weren’t converted. At the other end, CEYMS came close, before Gents shot was parried, Gent then followed up to score Hempnall’s second.

Half time 2-0

CEYMS started the second half far the brighter, and Hempnall’s confusion led to a good strike by the CEYMS player hitting the post and rebounding out.

This shook Hempnall into action, and they again started playing good football, a very good Gent free kick was met with an equally excellent lobbed finish by Cattermole for 3-0.

The Hempnall keeper Swatman injured himself and substitute goalkeeper Ryan was introduced, his  welcome being Hempnall going to sleep, exposing him to an excellent shot and finish for 3-1.

For a large part of the next 20 minutes, CEYMS looked the better team, and sure enough, a CEYMS attack saw Goldie foul in the area, with Ryan unable to prevent the penalty from entering the net. 

3-2.

It was all hands to the pump as CEYMS kept pressing for an equaliser, but Hempnall looked fairly comfortable on the whole.

A shot by Orford somehow eluded everybody to end up in the net but a Hempnall player was deemed interfering and the goal was ruled out for offside.

Hempnall kept going, looking for the fourth goal to seal the match, and with a few minutes left, Gent finished superbly for 4-2.

Game over, and a very entertaining game was well refereed, and Hempnall have been drawn at home in the next round.

Again, some very good performances, the player’s MOM was Orford for his excellent performance at centre forward.