Hempnall FC

Hempnall again had to make changes due to unavailability and injuries to key players, but the squad looked strong enough to compete, and they certainly did that against a moderate Hemsby side.

As is customary these days, Hempnall gave the opposition a lead, being too easily caught out by quick breaks.

Hempnall looked decent going forward, perhaps the final ball was either too short or the wrong decision made, but still the team looked perfectly capable of getting back into the match.

A cracking header that hit the bar and went over was the closest Hempnall came in the first 20 minutes, and after that a couple of decent chances were not put away, notably a header by Lewis that slipped past the post.

Then Hempnall hit back with Billy Kelly doing what he had threatened to do all game and Hempnall were back in business.

We went into the break 1-2 through the only two chances that Hemsby had. More annoying lapses that let the Hemsby player in when the chances should have been snuffed out.

The second half was, for the most part, Hempnall’s and numerous chances and half chances came and went.

The luck wasn't with Hempnall, with shots well saved, another apparently crossed the line according to a supporter in line, spinning back into play but there was no chance of the linesman or referee seeing it, one of those things.

Then they made it 2-2 through an excellent header by Lewis from a Kelly corner, and Hempnall looked the team most likely.

That said, Bunn in the Hempnall goal had to act as a sweeper on more than one occasion, and his quick thinking kept Hempnall from again letting the opposition in.

Then a couple of hand ball shouts in the area against Hemsby were seen by the ref as accidental so no penalties, but a clear trip on Griffiths was ignored as the player tried to stay on his feet but failed to do so and it was probably the delayed fall that fooled the referee.

Then the inevitable happened, a quick break wasn't dealt with, 3-2 to Hemsby.

In the final stages, a rash tackle by the Hempnall right back was given as a penalty though the match photo shows it was probably an inch outside the penalty box line. In fairness to the referee and linesman it was so close that a match of the day analysis would have seen some debate whether it was inside or outside the box!

The final score was harsh on Hempnall but they only had themselves to blame.

Secretary’s MOM was the stand in keeper and joint manager Aaron Bunn though there were decent performances by several players.

Match photos are posted in the Gallery.