Hempnall FC

This was the classic 'game of two halves' for Hempnall.

With Manager Dimsey losing three players including the goalkeeper who is out for a couple of months with a broken hand, he decided to play himself in goal to allow the Reserves to retain their keeper for their important local derby against Newton Flotman.

We welcomed two new signings, Ben Newton and Daniel Shevlin. Newton was slotted into the centre half role, and Shevlin led the line.

As expected, with the changes, Hempnall struggled to settle, Loddon took full advantage of a tricky pitch and with the slope, quickly tested the much changed Hempnall side.

Loddon raced into a 3-0 lead, though Hempnall were not without chances, and were a tad unfortunate not to score themselves – when your luck isn't in, loose balls always seem to go to an opponent to clear.

So despite coming close on several occasions, Hempnall went into the half time break 3-0 down.

However, the second half was a different story, and a fine finish from the effervescent Billy Kelly gave the away team some hope.

The Hempnall defence were settling, and restricting Loddon to a few half chances, and with the Kelly brothers, Etherington and Lambe all speedily breaking forward, and Matty Nobbs having probably his best game for Hempnall, we were anticipating a better finish to the game than we saw the week before.

Hempnall were now playing the better football, and on several occasions, we thought we were about to see the second goal which would have caused Loddon a great deal of concern, but it never came, and the Loddon keeper tipped a couple of shots over, though the ref never saw it, so the former Hempnall keeper didn't get the credit, and Hempnall didn't get the corners.

We on the sidelines were impressed with the fight, resiliance and quality on display in the Hempnall side, and if the manager can keep this squad together and play a more settled side, the results will soon improve.

One downside was the injury to Shevlin, we hope it won't keep him out for long as his presence up front was important to the way the team played today.

Onwards and upwards.