Hempnall FC

Hempnall met fellow bottom of the table strugglers, CEYMS Reserves in this Anglian Combination clash.

Whilst having lost a little confidence with their five straight league defeats, Hempnall’s football has generally been just a little short of the manager’s expectations, but we have played several of the better teams in the league to date, so we were expecting a better result today.

We thought from the off that this would be a close match, and that is exactly what we were treated to.

Hempnall started slowly, and CEYMS had the better of the play initially, with Davis, back in goal again, making a smart save to push the ball past the post.

Hempnall looked promising in attack, but were guilty of carelessness, a trait of their play this season, taking touches in dangerous areas instead of clearing the ball, and one of these moments led to CEYMS taking the lead after only 9 minutes.

The game stayed end to end, Hempnall still looked likely to find their way back into the game, and a burst through from Billy Kelly saw him upended by the keeper after 26 minutes, and the penalty was despatched by Cullum for 1-1.

Hempnall continued their lackadaisical ways, and a simple ball caught the defence unaware, the ball found the back of the net, but fortunately the player was offside, so the goal was ruled out.

The game flowed with both defences under pressure, and a close penalty call against Hempnall was deemed a fair challenge.

Hempnall broke again, and just before half time, the ball ended up at the feet of Womack following an assist from Cullum, and Womack finished extremely well to take Hempnall into a lead.

Half time 2-1

We were expecting CEYMS to fight back, and a few decent moves came to nothing, though we were fully aware that the next goal would prove crucial in the balance of the game. 

Both teams looked good going forward, and Hempnall were still being somewhat profligate on occasions, and the manager was becoming concerned at the decision making, though the team were without doubt improving as the game went on.

After wasting a couple of chances, Hempnall finally scored their third from a fine finish by the again excellent Womack, who has regained his scoring habit, following an assist from Billy Kelly who also had a fine game.

That was it from the scoring point of view, and we were disappointed to see one opposition player sent off for a silly offence, and there were a number of bookings in what was a competitive, but never dirty, game.

This was a very decent watch for the supporters, both teams worked hard, and the close game we were promised was indeed just that, as illustrated by the players’ man of the match , Taylor Davis in goal.