Hempnall FC

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A Team Semi Final Victory

Report by Ray Youngman

Hempnall A 1 Circle Anglia 1

Hempnall A won on penalties.

The Division 3 Cup game was played at Hempnall on Tuesday April 26th.

Hempnall A, at full strength started this game as underdogs having lost to Circle Anglia twice in the league games. Before tonight's game, Circle Anglia had already won the league so we all knew it was going to be a hard game for the young Hempnall team.

On a very hard and dry pitch the game started at a frantic pace and within three minutes their opponents took the lead.

From then on there was very little difference in the two teams and it was difficult to notice which of the two teams were the league champions.

Hempnall were soon applying pressure on their opponents and were using the lightening pace of James Daniels to their advantage. Ben Ling and Oli Pointer were dominant in defence and were in no mood to allow their free scoring opponents anywhere near their goal.

As the game progessed Hempnall were looking the more likely to score and in fact they did have the ball in the net just before half time only for it to be disallowed for what looked like a handball.

The second half saw Hempnall up the pace and once or twice looked the more likely to score. A lot of good play in midfield and the use of the right wing play eventually saw them equalise when Mark Goddard scored from close in. This inspired the Hempnall players who were by now having more than a lions share of the play and were making use of Daniels pace, but only an bad decision prevented him from running free on goal and which would had he scored sealed the game. Hempnall's defence must take a lot of credit as the looked very solid throughout the game but in fairness, and I think everyone will agree the whole team worked their socks off for the full ninety minutes.

With the score at 1-1 the game went to penalties of which Hempnall scored the whole five and that tremendous save by Michael Ayton saw Circle Anglia score only four. The lads were elated and their celebrations went into raptures after Michael's great save.

The large crowd must have been pleased by the way this young team played with maturity and I am sure the club officials in attendence to witness some players for the future.

Finally I must give credit to their manager Matthew Oakley who works so tirelessly for the team. Matthew was the first at ground to help with the nets, sorting the kit, collecting the fees and even clearing up after the game. Matthew you and your team were a credit to the club which is something I think you will all agree.

I had the honour of choosing the Man of the Match which was given to Ben Ling.

Good luck to you all in the Final.