Hempnall FC

Hempnall met Norwich Utd Reserves at Bungay Road, their first home game of the season, hoping 

to continue their excellent start to the season.

 Hempnall had won both of their opening away fixtures, and Manager Nathan Arbon had a strong 

squad to choose from, opting to leave Billy Kelly, Edward Lake and Justin Womack on the bench.

 From the off, Hempnall pressurised the opposition back four, (themselves fielding a former 

Hempnall player, Jamie Bennett). Hempnall’s centre forward, Daniel New was looking particularly 

lively up front, forcing the opposition defence into last ditch defending.

 Hempnall’s start had been good, and would have been even better had the excellent Shaun Kelly, 

playing today at left back, been able to convert his header, instead crashing it against the bar.

 No matter, Hempnall kept pressing, with Norwich Utd only managing a few meaningful forays, 

which the Hempnall defence withstood generally quite comfortably.

 The Hempnall midfield were particularly combative, playing some excellent through balls for New, 

Etherington and Gent in particular, and with the once again exceptionally hard working and hard 

running Shingles and Goldie proving invaluable, Hempnall were getting stronger.

 Hempnall had to wait until just before half time to score their first, a fine finish from Gent.

 H/T- 1-0

 The second half also saw Hempnall start positively, and only a couple of minutes into the half, a 

corner saw the Jillings rise to plant a superb header into the net for 2-0.

 Hempnall brought on their substitutes, and it was Billy Kelly who particularly looked very lively, 

his forays along the left wing causing difficulties for the defence, the keeper having to be alert to 

keep him out. 

Both Gent and Cattermole were getting closer, and a free kick awarded to Hempnall saw the, as 

usual difficult to deal with, Herbert shoot over the wall, the keeper reacting well and pulling off a 

fine save.

 Further corners peppered the opposition goal, but to no avail.

 The opposition keeper saved very well again from Herbert, then Cattermole couldn’t quite convert 

at the near post, but Hempnall were looking the far more likely to score again, only the keeper 

keeping them at bay, but no further goals.

 A comfortable victory for the home side but a really good game of football in lovely late summer 

weather.

 I thought most players had fine games, it is difficult to pick out a MOM, as shown by the player 

votes, which included Jillings, Etherington and Gent, but the count went to Gent for an overall fine, 

hardworking performance