Preparations were again disrupted with Ben Lydka finding his way to Acle a month early! He and Frankie are still disputing who was at fault in the communications, but fortunately the Acle chairman was at hand to drive Ben over and we thank him for this kind gesture.
Two changes were made to the side, with Tom Halliwell returning and Sam Wenham resuming his customary place on the left hand side.
This gave the side a balanced look and from the off, our play was very fluent with chances being created, despite the difficult windy conditions.
Ben Cussens, who was having his best game to date, struck a post early on. It now looks as though his fitness is coming up to the level required for Premier football, and the signs are that he could be a very useful addition to the squad, what with ability and versatility in his locker.
Many times promising positions didn’t quite develop into goal scoring opportunities as the final ball went wayward, but on 30 minutes, Rob Browne burst through again and firmly struck his shot home.
The young striker now looks to be back to his best which is perfect timing as we enter the final third of the season, and it was he who broke through again only to see his shot saved, but Franklin picked up the rebound to gleefully tuck home his 17th of the season.
Acle were finding it difficult to break down our defensive unit, and much of Cudden’s action revolved around catching high balls into the box, one of which left the keeper requiring treatment as he landed awkwardly on his neck, as an incoming Acle player toppled him in the air.
The second half saw us step up the tempo, with Barnes and Player bossing the midfield, and Halliwell finding space all over the park. This pressure then brought goal number three, as a good cross from Wenham on the left was flicked on by Franklin, and a line of in rushing players from both sides saw the ball find its way into the net. Typical of a Strikers approach, Franklin claimed the goal although there was a strong suspicion of OG!.
The next 20 minutes saw us play some of our best football of the season to add goals 4 and 5, both from Franklin, to take him to 20 for the season and secure our Man of the Match.
Ben Player, Paul Franklin and Martin Addison were then replaced as the game was over as a contest, the only blip on the day a soft penalty which was converted to complete the scoring at Hempnall 5 Acle 1. Respect and thanks to our opponents who despite a difficult afternoon, all came to the pub following the game.
Preparations are now under way for the Final where the club will be running a bus for the 7.15pm kick off at Wroxham on Easter Monday.
Any supporters wishing to come along please contact Dave Pointer, Nick page or myself (Tim Clarke).
On the subject of the scheduled Saturday game prior to the final against Wroxham Reserves, the club are still mystified by the leagues inflexibility in releasing us and Watton from this commitment.
On the very same day, Sheringham have been granted the day off, despite the fact they play Wroxham at Carrow Road 24 hours later than our final.
Couple this with the fact both sides are idle on Saturday the 26th April, we are struggling to understand the logic.