Hempnall 4 Sprowston Athletic 0
The game, writes Ray Youngman, was in doubt after all the rain during the week, and the local authority groundstaff only deemed the pitch playable at 11am.
Still without their injured players, the Hempnall Management team brought Mark Way and Steven Barnes back into the squad and also introduced young reserve team striker Richard Leather to senior football.
On a cold and damp afternoon and in front of a large crowd, it was Hempnall who started the game well on top and and after just twelve minutes Paul Franklin scored a well worked goal, and ten minutes on he scored his second after some more hard work from those around him.
With the surface getting heavier Hempnall were still well in control although perhaps not playing as well of late, but the confidence was still there.
Sprowston were still in with a chance and were working themselves back into the game but were not causing to many problems to Cudden in the Hempnall goal.
Three minutes before the interval Franklin completed his hat trick, this time from the penalty spot.
The second half was a little more even and at times it looked like Sprowston would score from a couple of chances, but the defence stood firm and kept their goal well intact.
As the game progressed ther were a few tired legs due to the heavy conditions but Hempnall were mastering them well and with only six minutes remaining Franklin scored his fourth to seal the game for his team.
Young Richard Leather gave a good account of himself during his brief spell on the pitch.
It was good to see the Oakley boys bring their very young A Team players along to support the First team where one day some of them will be playing.
Referee Mark Timmins was well in control of his game.
Player of the Month for December Ben Cudden.
Beccles Reserves 3 Hempnall Reserves 2.
Hempnall Reserves playing at Beccles were equal to their opponents but were unable to capitalise from their many scoring chances. Steven Van Raalte and Jon Phipps scored the goals.
Hempnall A. Their game with Mousehold was misteriously called off by Mousehold but someone forgot to tell Hempnall and we only found out when reading the EEN on Friday evening.
A Happy New Year to all.