Ray Youngman writes.

Hempnall 1  Cromer  3

Hempnall, at home to Cromer, can count themselves a little unlucky to lose in a game of fast flowing football from both teams.

Hempnall were without Paul Franklin (suspended) and Martin Addison who was playing cricket for Norfolk. Hempnall played the first half facing a very strong wind but had the major share of the play from the start and should have gone ahead through Shaun Flint with a one on one with the keeper but the ball slid past the upright.

Play continued at a fast pace, albeit without too many scoring oppotunities from either side, though it was Hempnall who finished the half the stronger.

Early in the second period, Rob Browne was unable to convert a golden chance when the ball came to him too quickly for him to control his volley, with the Cromer keeper completely on the wrong foot.

By now, Cromer were gaining more from the game and went ahead with a well worked goal. They went further in front when their striker came in behind the Hempnall defence, which was caught well out of position.

Hempnall continued to press forward and came back into the game when Ben Player scored from close range in a very crowded goalmouth.

Soon after, with Hempnall pressing for the equaliser, Cromer sealed the game with a third goal.

The result, without taking anything away from Cromer, was a little flattering as the overall play was very even - Cromer took their chances and Hempnall didn't.

Referee Jerry Kelly, recently promoted, had a very good game and in my opinion a very worthy referee.

Minnie Barrie, in the absense of Mrs Y, provided the match day refreshments for which we are very grateful.

Also appreciation for the assistance Stuart Oakley gave to Mrs Y over the weekend.

Hempnall Reserves 0 Sprowston Athletic Reserves 1

Hempnall Reserves, playing at home to a different Sprowston team, were not in the best of form for this evening game. Chances were missed, resulting in a home loss.

With several players unavailable, this was always going to be a difficult game, and in the words of stand in manager, Stu Oakley "with the players out there they should have won the game comfortably."

Hempnall Veterans  2  Wymondham College 0

Hempnall Veterans, in their last game of the season, had to work hard to obtain this result.

Suprisingly, despite the wind, the game was played from end to end, and what chances Wymondham did create were well dealt with by the well marshalled Hempnall defence, with keeper Kevin Erith in his normal outstanding form.

The two Hempnall goals came from the two best headers of the ball ever to have played for the club, Francis Page and Adie Lee, whose abilty to head the ball would grace any football ground around.

The team are very grateful to Kevin Betts who referees all the Veterans home games.

Ray Youngman Hempnall Football Club.