Hempnall 1 Acle 0

Playing at home to Acle in the Knock Out Cup, Hempnall again had to make some enforced changes due to their extended injury list. This did not prevent the team from playing some of their best football of late. The game again played in front of a good crowd saw a lot of good football from both sides.

Hempnall had to draft in Reserve keeper Matthew Ducker in place of Ben Cudden who was working and, as it turned out, Ducker played a very valuable part in this outstanding result, as at times he was very alert and prevented Acle from gaining anything from the game.

Hempnall’s midfield worked hard and at times were well in control, keeping their own front runners plenty of the ball.

Hempnall saw the most chances fall to them, but credit must go to the defence who did well to keep their own goal intact, despite some pressure from the well organised Acle team.

The Hempnall solitary goal was well scored by Rob Browne when he intelligently chipped the Acle keeper after catching him well out of position. All in all this was an excellent result for Hempnall, and now they look forward playing at Holt in the next round in December.

There are a few photos of the game in the Gallery section of the website.

Former player Mark Harvey sponsored the game and I also thank Mark on behalf of the club.

Caister Reserves 5 Hempnall Reserves 2

Hempnall Reserves travelled to Caister with several of the Under 16s in their squad due to injuries and unavailability. They played well but were unable to gain anything from a very experienced Caister team. Steve Van Raalte and Tom Amis scored the goals.

Mousehold Athletic Reserves 1 Hempnall A 9

The young A Team, improving with each game, certainly found their way to their opponents goal in scoring nine goals.

Jacob Paston scored 4, Andy Guy 3 and Olly Sayer 2. Keeper Stuart Oakley had an easy afternoon but still managed to concede one!

Hempnall Veterans 2 Kirkley and Pakefield 2

The Veterans playing at home to a very experienced Kirkley team gave them a very difficult afternoon with some very attacking football and at times suprised their opponents with quality of their game.

Hempnall took an early lead with a Steve Holtz penalty but depite still having a large share of the game, allowed Kirkley back into the game with two goals only for Tony Ward to score the second.

The main feature of the game was the outstanding performance of keeper Kevin Erith who made several top class saves to earn his team a very valuable point.

Manager Andy Soanes has worked hard to assemble a good squad of players and all his efforts are hopefully paying dividends for him and the club.

Francis Page won most of the arial battles with the Kirkley defence.

Ray Youngman