Hempnall FC

Hempnall met D3 high riding side Beccles Caxton in the League (Cyril Ballyn) Cup, expecting a very tough game given Caxton had won 6 out of their 7 league games.

Hempnall were missing Edward Lake from last week’s squad, but in came Marjoram and Womack, and the manager was able to field a strong squad.

On a flat but soft pitch (I’d like to take this opportunity of thanking Kevin Cunningham of Cunningham’s Hempnall for his great help in preparing the pitch), both teams started off very brightly, and we were in for a treat, with Hempnall giving as good as they got.

Hempnall were attacking well, with the excellent Dan New again looking strong and mobile; he almost took his first opportunity but slightly delayed his shot, allowing the defender to get back.

The resulting corner slipped past to the far post with Bennett unable to convert his header.

Caxton themselves looked quick on the break, and the Hempnall defence had to be quick to resist a good attack, Swatman eventually punching the ball away.

The game was end to end, both defences looking very good, and both keepers were intercepting well, so it was going to take something special to break the deadlock, but Hempnall were getting more comfortable and confident, both flanks were causing issues, and one of the quick fire attacks saw the excellent Billy Kelly play a great ball across, which Herbert finished very well for 1-0.

With only a couple of minutes to half time, we hoped Hempnall would manage to see out the half, but goal mouth ping pong saw Caxton manage to equalise, and Hempnall were somewhat unlucky to see a half time score of 1-1.

Caxton were clearly rattled, though they seemed a bit more determined in the second half. 

Still though the game was evenly matched, with both sides creating half chances, Hempnall perhaps were just unable to play the right final ball.

Hempnall’s best chance came from a great chip from Gent which we think the keeper just touched over, but a goal kick was given.

Shortly after, Cattermole shot well, but the Caxton keeper maintained his form to tip the ball past the post.

At the other end, Swatman also pulled off a couple of superb reaction saves, and the final score ended 1-1.

So, on to penalties, all of which were superbly taken by both sides up to the unfortunate George Watts, giving the Caxton keeper the opportunity to smother the ball, for a 6-7 penalty win for Caxton.

This was a first class game of football, both teams were a credit to the League, and best of luck to Caxton in the next round.

There were so many excellent performances in the Hempnall team today, it is very difficult to pick a man of the match from Swatman with his vital saves, to Watts, New, Kelly (Billy) though nobody was far behind but in the end, I think New probably just about deserves it.