Hempnall FC

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We made possibly our longest trip of the season to Downham Market, with for us what was a relatively unchanged side. Back into the side came Ian and Marc Garrod, replacing Ross Jones and Mark Moseley, both of whom were unavailable.

Manager Potter’s pre match team talk focused on the positives of our play over the last few weeks, rather than area’s we had under performed, asking the lads to wipe the slate clean and just go out enjoy the game and get back into that groove we had.

After the last 4 weeks, if ever we needed a good performance and result, it was this week. And the lads gave us exactly that.

We started the game very brightly. Playing into the wind, we played very intelligently, keeping possession and passing the ball very well along the ground. The midfield 3 of Hyett, Ian Garrod and Elliott Lythgoe kept the play ticking along very nicely, proving an excellent link between defence and attack, whilst still snapping into the tackles and winning the ball back quickly for us.

As with last week, the front 3 of Lee Barrett, Page and Clitheroe were looking extremely dangerous, their pace giving Downham’s back line no time at all on the ball. Listening to the managers advice, the 2 wider men were dropping slightly deeper to collect the ball, enabling them to face and run at their opponents rather than playing with their backs to goal as they were last week. Because of this we were able to cause no end of problems to their full backs, our right side in particular being a major outlet for us - Marc Garrod, Sam Page and Clitheroe combining very well.

It was from this combination, that set Clitheroe free on the right, and doing what he does best, turned the full back inside out and cut the ball back for the on rushing Elliott Lythgoe to fire home his first goal for the clarets from 8 yards out. It was an excellently worked goal and thoroughly deserved.

Our next goal came from the other side when Lee Barrett fed Sam Page, who twisted and turned past a couple of defenders only to be brought down by the third. In truth from the sidelines it looked a dubious decision, however, all players on the field were firm in the stance that it was a definite penalty and the referee got it spot on.

Up stepped Andy Clitheroe to dispatch yet another coolly taken spot kick.

Downham were causing us little problems at the back, and we should have increased our lead further going into half time with good chances going begging.

However, once again we went into the break with a 0-2 advantage.

The team talk contained very little criticism, only to be very wary having given away 2 goal half times leads in the previous 2 weeks.

The second half started with us kicking with the wind. In truth, we did fall a bit flat as the game developed into more of a scrappy affair. We did however still look very comfortable and in no real danger of conceding, the back line holding firm.

We increased our lead when a corner kick from Ian Garrod was met by Lee Barrett, who headed excellently into the bottom corner of the goal. A couple of changes were made at this point, with Ian Garrod and Sam Page being replaced by Dave Meier and Matthew Seager. Both the 2 lads coming off had very good games, and so this was no reflection on their performances at all. Shortly afterwards Matt Barrett made way to allow the final sub, Jason Hubbard, to gets some game time.

The game petered out towards the final whistle, the award of a very dubious penalty to Downham seconds from the end being the only spark during those last 15 mins. It was dispatched to give them a consolation goal. The referee blew almost immediately after to give us a deserved 1-3 win.

This was a thoroughly good win and performance from the lads, the first half in particular. Whilst we did not meet those heights in the second period, having given away leads in previous weeks, the lads dug in very well to produce a very disciplined and professional half of football and just what the doctor ordered. It will hopefully give everyone a little lift going into the next few games.

The midfield 3 once again put in excellent performances, Dave Hyett again very solid in the middle and also Ian Garrod on his return, keeping the ball ticking over and moving very well. But having read my previous reports, and noticing a slight bias towards the midfielders (I have no idea why ???!! ? ) I will award the man of the match to Andy Clitheroe, run close by Sam Page. The first half in particular I felt these 2 looked very dangerous, but with a goal and an assist (together with a largely forgotten about hat trick last week) Andy deserves the plaudits this time round.

A note also for the good performance from young referee Richard Howard, recently we have been very critical of some of the refereeing of our games but this week Richard officiated the game excellently.

Next up we are at home to Beccles Caxton, hoping to start a new run and maintain this weeks form. 3 points have to be our aim and is something I know the lads will be desperate for.

UTH.