Hempnall FC

Hempnall faced Harleston Reserves, looking to carry forward momentum from their win against Yelverton Reserves the week before. 

It was inevitable it would be a physical game, and Harleston started on the front foot, playing a long ball game, which led to them having the first couple of attacks on goal, scoring the first goal to go 1-0 up within the first 10 minutes.

Hempnall didn’t let their heads drop, and around 20 minutes in, central defender Shaun Kelly needed to come off. George Rout dropped in at centre back and Hayden Marjoram introduced from the bench, to play out wide.

New number 9, Daniel New managed to win the ball back on the edge of the Harleston area, sliding the ball through to Marjoram who struck the ball well, the keeper got a hand to it but couldn’t stop it from going in, 1-1. 

Craig Shingles was having an excellent game at right back, making great crunching tackles, winning the ball fairly each time much to the Harleston attackers disappointment. 

Asa Swatman in goal also pulled off a couple of brilliant saves to keep the side level.

New was looking sharp, holding up the ball and bringing in the wingers. A great bit of passing play saw Jamie Etherington through on goal, a great finish saw Hempnall go 2-1 up.

Hempnall were now attacking well and looking the more likely to score, but couldn’t convert any more chances, so went in 2-1 up at the break. 

Even though Hempnall were on top, they knew they needed another goal to finish off the game.

Hempnall continued to be on top for the second half, though Harleston had some breakaway chances forcing some excellent 1 on 1 saves from Asa Swatman, who was having an outstanding game in goal. 

A nasty challenge on Craig Shingles forced the referee to stop play, despite it being a drop ball for Harleston, one of their players protests was too much for the referee and he was sin binned for 10 minutes. 

Finally another great piece of attacking play saw Jack Herbert’s cross shot pushed over the line by the chest of George Watts to make it 3-1 Hempnall. 

With about ten minutes to go, New again holding the ball up well, played it round a player who fouled him just inside the Harleston half. This was a second yellow card offence and Harleston were now down to 10 men.

Hempnall kept pressing, Etherington won a couple of free kicks for fouls on him on the edge of the box. Jake Gent took a free kick which was headed clear by a Harleston defender towards the edge of the box, but it fell to Marjoram and sweetly struck half volley hit the back of the net to make it 4-1 and kill the game off about 7 minutes from full time. 

Hempnall saw out the game and enjoyed a well deserved victory in difficult pitch conditions.

The were a number of excellent performances today, but the players gave man of the match to goalkeeper, Asa Swatman.