Hempnall FC

Comment on this article

Hempnall travelled to Fakenham looking to ensure there was no repeat of the home fixture. Changes were made to the starting line up with Andy Clitheroe returning from the first team to replace Dom Jones, Lee Barrett being restored to the starting line up and Quinnie starting up front in place of Kingo.

Hempnall started ok but weren't the dominant force they had been the week before and after the ball was given away in midfield, Julian Delicata raced away to smash the ball past Motteram in the Hempnall goal. Hempnall were creating half chances but were still struggling to get into their rhythm and they fell further behind when a header was clicked on at the near post and was adjudged to have crossed the line before the intervention of Matt Barrett.

At 2-0 down, Hempnall were now up against it and piled forward knowing that they must score before half time. Chances went begging but just before half time a long range effort from Lee Barrett squirmed under the Fakenham goalkeeper. HT : 2-1

Changes were made at half time with Dom Jones replacing Ross Potter, Andy Clitheroe moving to right back and Ross Jones to centre back. Hempnall pushed forward in search of an equaliser and straight from the restart Quinnie was upended in the box but to Hempnall's amazement, the referee waved play on.

Jack Tarrant then replaced Quinnie with Marc Garrod moving to right back, Clitheroe taking up his preferred position on the right and Sam Page moving up front.

Chance after chance went begging and with 20 minutes left Lee Barrett raced away from the defence and just as he was about to shoot he was upended in the box but once again the referee said no!!

Hempnall continued to press and equalised when Sam Page nodded the ball down to volley home. This seemed to relax Hempnall and minutes later Andy Clitheroe crossed for Lee Barrett to volley into the roof of the goal then with minutes left on the clock Andy Clitheroe accelerated away from the defence and tucked the ball past the goalkeeper.

Hempnall achieved the desired 3 points in the end to move up to second but will need to be more clinical in the forthcoming matches through November.