Hempnall FC

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Hempnall welcomed Marlingford for the second time in recent weeks expecting a much tougher match than the last time the two teams met.

Only two changes were made to the starting X1 with Jack Tarrant replacing Ben Player in midfield and Paul Franklin replacing Gavin Whiting who was injured in the warm up. Ben Player dropped to the bench and was joined by Rob Browne and Greg Devlin who was making a welcome return from injury.

The Hempnall management pointed out pre match the importance of starting well as the opposition looked to gain revenge for the previous meeting. This seemed to fall on deaf ears as Marlingford started much the stronger and looked dangerous in the build up without ever really troubling Hempnalls defence.

Against the run of play Ross Potter won a tackle and the ball broke to Paul Franklin who advanced towards the penalty area and curled an equisate shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Marlingford continued to attack but were undone when Clitheroe cut inside the defender and rifled left footed into the top corner.

Clitheroe was a constant menace down the right flank and it wasn’t long before he helped Hempnall extend their lead when he got to the byline and cut the ball back for Page to score.

Hempnall made it four when Franklin side footed into the far corner from the edge of the box, a lesson in finishing for any young lads watching. Showing you don’t have to break the net.

Hempnall came in at half time 4-0 up without really playing very well.

HT : 4-0

Greg Devlin replaced Jack Tarrant at the break who had a tight hamstring and early second half Rob Browne replaced Clitheroe who was rested for next week and Player came on to replace Jones who had a tight groin. Unfortunately minutes after making these substitutes Hempnall were reduced to ten men when Ross Potter damaged his hamstring.

Hempnall converted to a 4-4-1 formation and saw the game out without any real problems.

FT : 4-0

A good 4-0 win against a Marlingford side who will be disappointed as this was maybe not a fair reflection of the first half but for a change Hempnalls finishing was clinical.