Hempnall FC

Well, the Secretary was elsewhere watching Norwich beat Cardiff City in a tense encounter, missing his first home game since returning from holiday after eying up the Russian talent and failing to entice them to Hempnall.

Who needs them? we ask, after the Reserves won a close Cup encounter with Scole Utd Reserves, firing in two goals and keeping a clean sheet. The report of the match is courtesy of Nick Talbot.

Manager Oakley was pleased to see the return of his assistant, Talbot, and also, Tristran Docherty, back to play for Hempnall after a season’s absence, and what an excellent return it was.

The first half saw both teams pressing, though the best of the early chances saw Elton lob the keeper to see his effort cleared off the line. Undeterred, Hempnall kept playing their football, and before half time, a shot by Chapman was beaten out by the keeper, and Elton ghosted in to score with Hempnall going into the break 1-0 up.

The second half saw Scole put Hempnall under pressure, with good counter attacks and looked favourites to equalise, but with the back four excellent, and keeper Declan Leigh in fine form, their half chances were kept out, though Scole were very unlucky to hit the post and see the ball stay out.

After this period of pressure, Hempnall regained control, and in one good attack, Matthew Chapman was fouled in the opposition penalty area, and Elton stepped up to take the perfect penalty to put the home team well in control.

Another chance just before the end of the game was missed.

Talbot gave credit to many players on the day, modestly excluding himself. He was quick to praise all members of the defence, plus young James Gilding who grew into the game, but gave MOM to Danny Elton, closely followed by Declan Leigh.