Hempnall FC

Hempnall met Earsham in the League, on a chilly, wet Hempnall afternoon. The pitch was sticky but flat, and after recent good results when not playing at their best, Hempnall were looking for a performance more in tune with their early season excellence.

Welcoming back players who were last week unavailable for a variety of reasons, the squad looked strong.

From the off, we knew this was going to be a good game of football, with both teams looking to attack via the flanks, and both defences had to be alert, the first sniff at goal coming from Hempnall with the Earsham keeper intercepting before Etherington could pounce, and soon after he had to be quick of his line to beat New to the ball.

Whilst Hempnall had the best of the very early chances, a slip by stand in centre half Womack on the slippy surface saw the Earsham striker pounce to put the ball past Swatman for 0-1.

However, it wasn’t panic stations, Hempnall were soon attacking and the excellent New just failed at the near post, then Etherington slammed a shot just past the upright.

Soon after, Etherington, at his mazy best, flew past defenders and probably should have scored but his shot was tame, and very soon after, another Etherington shot hit the upright.

More good moves saw New ghost past defenders to plant the ball into the back of the net for 1-1.

Hempnall were now well in the game and beginning to look closer to their early season form, and with the wind at their backs, were coming close, with Marjoram having a couple of attempts, then Gent almost but not quite finishing, but the ball landed at the feet of Billy Kelly who shot well, but the goal bound ball came back off a defender.

Hempnall were well on top, and won a number of corners, which were either well defended or the ball flashed across goal.

Watts, New and Gent all had further attempts, with Earsham limited to two or three breakaways, but the half finished 1-1.

The second half saw Hempnall start well, but Earsham were certainly well in the game, and a corner hit the upright but stayed out.

Hempnall kept attacking well, the mobile New was creating great difficulties, and with Etherington also looking dangerous, it was Etherington that came very close with a cross shot, and then, Lake's effort, which we thought had to be goalbound, somehow deflected over the bar.

The otherwise excellent Shaun Kelly somehow got his wires crossed and missed a gaping goal (unlike him) and still Hempnall could not seal the game.

The attacks mounted, and finally, Billy Kelly showed great wing play to cross, and Gent managed to scramble an effort over the line for 2-1.

A few more half chances were made at both ends, but Hempnall lasted out to secure a narrow, just about deserved, win.

A good game of football well refereed, saw the Hempnall support glad they braved the horrendous rain.