Hempnall FC

Hempnall Sunday entertained league winners Woolpack at Bungay Road on a hot Sunday morning.

Nick Talbot had spent most of Saturday trying to secure a team during this holiday period, with several players away it was proving difficult. Add to that injuries to team stalwarts, and Nick was left with a bare 11 to play the best team in the league.

With Nick playing himself, with an injured knee, and Matt Oakley again stepping up to the challenge despite a week on antibiotics, things weren’t looking promising before the beginning of the match.

However, we were treated to the best defensive display, and arguably best overall display, of the season when taking into account the quality of the opposition, with some absolutely magnificent performances throughout the team.

It made me proud to be the Hempnall Secretary watching that perfomance, especially as the opposition had a full complement including five subs.

The back four of Shaun Kelly, Wayne Collins, Nick Talbot and Steven Blake were excellent, ably supported by the midfield, with ever running outlets in Billy Kelly and Bradley Cullum, both having a few runs.

One run culminated in an excellent finish by Kelly for Hempnall’s, and the match’s, first.

Hempnall could have had a second though the strength and perseverence of Woopack resulted in them netting the second for 1-1 at half time.

Manager Talbot asked for more of the same – few teams in the Division have been able to hold Woolpack. Hempnall managed it for the majority of the second half, until ex Hempnall player Atherton, netted Woolpack’s second.

We thought perhaps Hempnall might struggle in the heat for the last quarter, but no, they kept fighting, and two or three half chances, plus shots from Bradley and the game looked anything but secure.

In the end, it is probably fair to say Woolpack, whilst the better team, were glad to hear the final whistle.

A really good game and Hempnall performance.

All the players were well up to standard today, goalkeeper Declan Leigh had one of his best games, making some good stops, but the Secretary’s MOM for his superb overall effort is Shaun Kelly.