Hempnall FC

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Hempnall Reserves started 2011 with a trip to Attleborough in a reverse of the ‘eventful’ clash at Bungay Road. Aware of the hosts physical approach and the quality they possess, we knew we were in for a very tough encounter, especially given that the game came so soon after the Christmas and new year break.

Initally, preparation for the game was not ideal in that the squad was hit with 3 late withdrawals - Dave Hyett and Ian Garrod both suffering with man-flu and Gav Whitting with a potentially cracked rib. This together with the unavailability of Ross Jones (working) and Ben Nichols (first team), left us looking a little short come Sunday night.

However, after originally ruling himself out as he was still recovering from the flu, Kristian Jones stepped up in our hour of need and took a starting role (an example of the excellent commitment shown by the reserves this year), and manager Potter managed to find 3 other players to help us out – Matt Steward starting at centre half, Nick Dye at right back, and Perry Philpott taking a place on the bench alongside JD and Lee Emmett.

Manager Potter stressed the importance of starting in the ascendancy, getting on the ball and in the faces of our opponents right from the off, and we did just that, looking almost as though we had had no enforced break at all.

The midfield 3 controlled the middle ground superbly and we had an excellent chance very early on. A low cross field pass from the left found the on rushing Kristian Jones, but under good pressure from the defender, unfortunately pulled his shot just wide of the far post. We continued to hustle and harry Attleborough, forcing them into mistakes which we were unfortunate not to capitalise upon. However, the lead was not long in coming, when a ball down the left flank found Lee Barrett, who cut in onto his right foot and hit a low shot into the bottom corner. In truth the keeper perhaps will feel he should have done better, but it was a lead we were well worthy of.

We continued to pass the ball well, and meet the physical battle head on, with a number of excellent strong tackles going on in midfield, Cartledge indeed picking up a booking. We were still controlling the game and had chances to increase our lead. The workrate from everyone was very impressive, as Attleborough were given little time on the ball, the team hunting together in packs.

We did however, live a little dangerously, and rode our luck a couple of times, with Attleborough breaking quickly on the counter attack, and but for one really top save from Beetenson, an excellent last ditch tackle from Potter and a missed sitter, Attleborough, perhaps will feel they should have also been on the score sheet.

However, we went into half time with an overall deserved lead. The team talk was very much along the lines of more of the same, but just ensuring that we did not ease up or let our foot off the pedal in anyway.

We did start the second half a little lethargic, and for the first 5 – 10 mins were on the back foot as Attleborough pressed for an equaliser, which indeed they managed to find during this period. This seemed to shake us from our slumber and the workrate increased back up to that of the first half.

We took the lead again, this time through Manager Potter. We were awarded a free kick inside the Attleborough half. Matt Barrett’s delivery into the box was excellent and Potter rose highest, and above the keeper to nod into the net, silencing the somewhat vocal home support.

From this point on, the workrate, effort, together with no shortage of quality, was first class and no more could be ask or given by the lads. They were excellent.

Beginning to tire after his bout of illness, Krisitian Jones was asked to give us just 5 more minutes while the subs were warmed up. And both parties were delighted he was, as he was released from a midfield pass, broke free of his defender and summoned a last bit of energy to rush in on goal and finished excellently into the roof of the net to make it 1-3.

With about 25 minutes still remaining, we still had a lot of work still to do to see out the game. JD was bought on for Kristian, as we tried to use his pace against a now slow (sorry Marty !!) Attleborough back line. The home side did continue to press and looked to get back in the game by scoring another to take it to 2-3. However, again we upped the gears, this time Cartledge adding to the scoring after cutting in from the right onto his left foot and netting in the bottom corner, almost a symmetrical copy of Lee Barrett’s first. This totally deflated the hosts, and the 3 pts were now surely ours, as we regularly counter attacked at will, picking holes in their defence with ease. Chances came and went, but from 2 of those breaks, we were awarded 2 penalties. The first with JD brought down, the second, with almost the last kick from the other side when Lee Barrett was fouled (resulting in the somewhat harsh sending off of Attleborough’s Matt Atkins). Both were expertly dispatched by Andy Clitheroe to give as a full time win of 2-6.

It was an excellent performance and result, coming so soon after Christmas and new year, against a good and tough outfit, that takes us to 7 wins in 7. The effort and desire from everyone of the lads, right from the start of the warm-up, to the final whistle was spot on. In fact the commitment shown by everyone throughout the period of bad weather in ensuring a high attendance each week at the indoor games organised, has to be commended and shows the team spirit and desire we have within the squad, and I believed helped massively to maintaining some of our sharpness.

Man of the match could be awarded to any number of players, but for me the midfield 3 stood out. Cartledge, Moseley and Garrod were outstanding in their workrate, passing and tackling that to pick out just one, would be an injustice to the others.

Next up is a resurgent Wortwell away, which we expect to be every bit as tough as this game. We are now beginning to set ourselves a benchmark which we must not fall below and so not allow ourselves to bask in this glory for too long as we have to continue to show this level effort each week to ensure we maintain our current momentum, vital if we are to continue to climb the league and challenge for honours.

UTH