Hempnall FC

Hempnall met second placed Yelverton Reserves in the Anglian Combination, on a very cold Hempnall day. Fortunately, there was little wind, but still very cold for all. 

It was great that the game kept us riveted.

From the off, it was clear we were in for fairly even competition, with Hempnall looking good and well up for the task.

With most of the squad available, the manager left Etheringron and Lake on the bench, and also rotated other players, so it was looking promising. 

Hempnall came closest first with the opposition goalkeeper just managing to keep Shaun Kelly at bay, and then Jake Gent showed great skill to set up a chance which he blasted over.

Yelverton countered with a shot, saved by Swatman in the Hempnall goal.

More good play saw the excellent Orford bring a very good save from the Yelverton keeper. 

Hempnall were looking the more likely to score, and a corner saw the ball flash across the Yelverton goal, before Hempnall fell behind to a sucker punch.

Hempnall kept attacking, Billy Kelly looking dangerous along the left, and his cross saw Cattermole unable to convert.

More Hempnall chances came and went before at last a bit of Hempnall luck....a shot from Gent deflected over a stranded keeper for 1-1.

The inevitable Hempnall switch off came directly after to gift Yelverton a second 

Hempnall weren't downhearted though, and Jack Herbert never one to give up lost causes was just a little late allowing the keeper to smother.

More fine play saw Herbert just miss with a shot, Shaun Kelly with a header, and further unsuccessful efforts both ends saw Hempnall go into half time 1-2 down but easily equal in quality.

The second half saw a much improved performance from Hempnall who looked the better team with most of the attacking players though with keepers able to mop up, until some excellent play going forward saw Herbert slam the ball into the net for a well deserved equaliser.

Almost immediately, Hempnall surged forward again, Herbert's run and cross saw the great Watts slide in for 3-2.

Hempnall were now the stronger team, but as has become common, couldn't put the game to bed.

Corners and free kicks came and went and again, inevitably, a mistimed tackle by the otherwise excellent Shaun Kelly saw Yelverton awarded a penalty which, fortunately for Hempnall, drifted wide of the post, so it remained 3-2.

More excellent play this time saw Herbert score his second and Hempnall's fourth for a deserved close victory.

Today there were excellent performances all over the pitch, the manager thought a team mom would be appropriate.