Hempnall FC

Hempnall took on high flying Costessey, looking to improve further after their recent performances including the narrow defeat to Horsford last week.

Bunn was still struggling for players, with three out injured but still managed to field a strong 11 plus two substitutes with Jillings able to step in at short notice and slot  into the back four alongside Kelly, Blake and Edwards.

Hempnall got off to the best possible start with a fine finish after 90 seconds from Billy Kelly, who is coming back to real form after his knee issues, and a second despatched after 7 minutes from a corner, a fine header by the resurgent Edwards.

Costessey had a real uphill task from there, and for much of the half, Hempnall looked the team more likely to score – until, that is, keeper Davis pulled off a couple of high quality saves missed by the cameraman, so apologies to him. This kept Hempnall with their real advantage, until on the stroke of half time, the opposition scored from a corner, to see the half end at 2-1 to Hempnall.

Bunn echoed in his half time talk the need to continue more or less as was, but for Hempnall to be wary of the long ball over the top, which Costessey used dangerously, and whilst the defence were caught out one or twice, the speed of Shaun Kelly, again having a fine game, was of great value, but overall, Hempnall never looked in any real danger, certainly not given the quality of the opposition.

I think this is the most cohesive I have seen Hempnall this season, especially the defence, but the work ethic was superb throughout the team with the midfield in especially work hungry mode, Herbert is improving game by game and we welcomed back to Goldie who is gaining in fitness and confidence.

As usual, Womack was combative, and never let the opposition defence rest, so Hempnall always looked dangerous. 

Costessey had their moments though, and Hempnall were perhaps a little fortunate on a couple of occasions at corners, but the excellent challenging, with Davis there when needed, saw Hempnall hold out.

The final nail was another good run by Billy Kelly, who was tugged back in the penalty area, the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, duly despatched by Blake.

All in all, in my opinion, Hempnall’s best performance of the season, let’s hope the improvement continues.

Though there were a number of very good performances, MOM in my opinion is a joint award this week, shared by Davis for his first half performance in particular, and Blake for his excellence in defence throughout the game.