Hempnall 2 Sheringham 1
Sheringham found their way into the Hempnall "wilderness", confident after their County Cup success the week before. We congratulate them on and wish them well in the final.
For our part, our preparations were disrupted, when a late call of meant we only had thirteen players. Bob Briggs kindly offered to take the space but he may be regretting that Sunday, as he was called into action for the last five minutes. Ben Cussons made his full debut, and took the right hand side, replacing Tom Halliwell who was at a wedding. Ben Player, Barry Allard and Rob Connelley were still out injured and Mark Way on holiday, so with resources stretched it was good to see Shaun Flint return to the club and take his place on the bench.
The game opened up with both sides competing for possesion (as was to be expected), but it did not cantain much free flowing football, and neither keeper had much to do. The deadlock was broken when Kristian Gleave's free kick was blocked, but the rebound went straight back to him, and an improvized deft flick found its way into the top, corner leaving Cudden helpless.
We continued to work hard and compete, but couldn't find the equaliser before the brake.
The half time talk was around keeping the work rate high but also making use of the space that Wenham and Cussons were finding on the flanks.
The second half continued in much the same vein, with a midfield competition, but slowly we started to get on top. Barnes and Downs and the revitalized Lydka were having fine games in the centre of the park.
The equaliser did look like it was coming, but it arrived in an unexpected way. A long free kick from Downs floated all the way into the net as Walton appeared to misjudge the angle, though to be fair, he was hindered by the sun.
This was a signal for us to turn the screw and push Sheringham back. The winner came with twenty minutes to go.
A good ball was played over the top of the back four, which Browne burst on to, to calmly lob the keeper. Flint was introduced into the fray replacing the tiring Lydka.
Then drama started with Marty Addison picking up an ankle injury and so coach Bob Briggs had to enter the game. I am sure he had the thought at fifty his Premiership league career had long since finished. However he played his part in helping us hang on as Sheringham pushed for the equaliser.
Steve Barnes secured the man of the match award with an all action performance - incidentally, he counted the votes!
Our apologies to Sheringham for the lack of after match food. The Pub is in transition with landlords and things were not organized.
CEYMS 2 Hempnall Reserves 0
The Reserves travelled to league leaders CEYMS and soon found out they were a good side. Hempnall had their chances to gain something from the game but oin the day found it very dificult to score.
Mousehold Reserves 2 Hempnall A 1
The A Team suprisingly lost their Cup game at Mousehold. After some good results of late they for some reason left the shooting boots at home. Stu Oakley was not pleased with the result and it is obvious that he will soon rectify any problems. We thank the Mousehold official who took over from the injured match referee.
Ray Youngman Secretary Hempnall FC