Hempnall FC

With what appeared on paper to be a strong squad, the Hempnall management were looking to improve on recent performances and get a result against an improving East Harling Reserves.

We welcomed back our President from his extended, ultimately unsuccessful scouting mission to Australia and New Zealand, and the BRF were also in attendance in numbers on a relatively mild Bungay Road day.

The pitch was wet but playable, but it proved to be a bit slippery for some of the players, and in the early stages, East Harling were treated to two penalties, one of which was saved in magnificent fashion by the ever flexible Oakley who again rolled back the years to treat us to another of his 'I could have played at a higher level' performances.

Oakley is clearly determined to emulate his young but currently injured hero, Ali, who still managed to perform well in a forward role despite his shoulder injury.

Both Talbots were on show, both ignoring their knee injuries to put in powerful performances, but to no avail, as Hempnall were often caught on the break after unsuccessful missions in and around the opposition's penalty area, where scoring is eluding the team.

Promising attacks have not been finished this season, and adding to that a few lapses, the frustration grows.

That said, heads did not drop, the lads kept on fighting but when your luck is out, the opposition half chances are converted whilst your's aren't.

Another decent performance was not rewarded.

Onwards and upwards.