Hempnall FC

Hempnall, again depleted by late call offs, unavailability of players, and without the injured captain and key player Nobbs, were facing a decent Bradenham side still in with a chance of promotion, so it was always going to be a tough game.

So it proved, and with Reserve team inclusions, and a reshaped defence, they were finding it difficult to contain Bradenham, though, in fairness, Hempnall had a few decent chances in the first half, and better finishing or luckier breaks would have seen them going into half time much closer than the 0-2 scoreline suggested, possibly even on level terms.

The second half saw a fair amount of end to end play, though frailties saw Hempnall concede a third.

Hempnall were denied a clear penalty following a push in the penalty area, and this followed another penalty shout for hand ball, probably a bit more tenuous. Whatever, had a penalty been given and scored, would probably only have been a consolation, and Bradenham were the better team on the day.

The referee did, though, have a very good game overall, keeping the game under control without reverting to the book.

If the manager could rely on naming a settled side week in week out, results would improve and we would not be in a position where we are having to fight for our senior status.