Hempnall FC

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Hempnall welcomed Norwich CEYMS to Bungay Road expecting a tough encounter as CEYMS had won all four of their league games.

Hempnall included Andy Talbot in their line up for the second week running and welcomed Pointer and Cawston back at the expense of Van Raalt.and Mallett, with Clitheroe going with the firsts and Willimott playing his first game for the Reserves this season.

In windy, rainy conditions Hempnall were asked by the management to battle hard and to fight for every ball to give them a base to play.

Hempnall did exactly that and worked extremely hard to press the ball against a side who kept the ball very well, with JD looking dangerous down the right. Very few chances were created by either team, Turner hitting a couple of good long range strikes on his return to Hempnall and Hempnall playing a poor final ball when well placed.

HT :0-0

The half time team talked centred around maintaining the high work ethic but just trying to take a little more care when gaining possession.

Hempnall did this and looked more dangerous going forward only to fall behind in controversial fashion. Norwich CEYMS played the ball towards the edge of the Hempnall area, the ball brushed the hip of Potter only to Hempnalls disbelief the referee gave a free kick for handball. Turner stepped up and crashed the ball into the top corner giving Beetenson no chance.

Hempnall knew they needed to now chase the game to get anything out of it despite working so hard up to this point.

There was a change of formation and on came Whitting and Caswton.

Hempnall applied significant pressure and after a set piece was delivered into the box the ball dropped to Cawston who crashed the ball into the top corner to equalise.

Both teams worked hard to create chances in the final few minutes but were unable to make these count.

A good result for Hempnall against a quality CEYMS team. 

Week by week the team is improving and adjusting to the challenges of Division 2. Well done to the players for taking on what was discussed at training and for another great turn out this week. 

It was a difficult summer for me trying to decide whether to follow my ambition and move to Norwich Utd, Dereham, Sprowston, Reepham etc. or to follow my heart and stay at the club I love but I certainly don’t regret staying for one moment. Despite our current lowly position I have no doubt we will challenge at the top something the players are now starting to believe!!

UTH!!