Hempnall FC

Hempnall met Yelverton Reserves in their fourth league game of the season, having won their first three to sit second in the Division behind Martham.

Fielding a strong squad, this week, the Manager, Nathan Arbon, decided to leave Rout, New and Goldie on the bench.

From the off, Hempnall looked to press, and most of the opening encounters went their way, with only the final ball not quite there.

Etherington, Gent and Herbert were particularly dangerous going forward, with the combative midfield winning most of the second balls.

The young Yelverton keeper was already having to dominate his area particularly from corners, and we were wondering whether the ball would go in the net, just not quite falling to a Hempnall forward.

With Womack back in the side, and Herbert chasing everything, the defence would always be under pressure, but frankly, their keeper was up to the task, and a couple of saves from Gent were stunning. 

Still Hempnall kept the pressure on, Yelverton weren’t really getting into the game, their odd counter attack was comfortably snuffed out by the excellent Hempnall defence.

Hempnall had to wait 20 minutes or so before Etherington, who had the defence in his pocket all afternoon, broke well, and planted a fine finish into the corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance. 

A few minutes later, Etherington again stepped up, and another excellent finish saw Hempnall extend their lead.

Hempnall continued to pressurise, winning corners though the keeper was showing secure handling to keep Yelverton in the game.

Another Herbert corner saw Womack plant a fine header into the net, nothing less than he deserved, and Hempnall were now secure at 3-0.

Herbert decided to try and get in on the act, but his finish slid past the post.

Just before half time, the excellent Gent score Hempnall’s fourth with another good finish.

4-0 at half time saw the team talk revolve around the need to keep it tight, and not give Yelverton any way back in.

In fact, the second half was similar to the first, in terms of player performance, though Yelverton did compete better, but still the Hempnall defence looked secure, and Swatman was able to prevent any scares his end though Yelverton were certainly making a go of it.

Hempnall were still pressing, and it was only a matter of time. It was Herbert that finally broke the second half drought, finishing well for Hempnall’s fifth.

Hempnall could have had more but for excellent goalkeeping.