Hempnall FC

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We travelled to Cromer with optimism high after some decent results & our best squad for several weeks. Having reinvented ourselves after player departures & with the introduction of a new system it was felt that Saturdays encounter against champions elect Cromer, would give us some kind of yardstick as to where we are as a squad.

Well if you look at the result a 0-3 reverse in isolation you would think that there is plenty to be done. However, although the home side gave us a tough time, it is clear in many areas we are not far off but in some there is still more to be done.

The first 20 minutes were fairly even but Cromer were definitely shading things & looking the more threatening. On 22 minutes a spark of genuine quality dribbling from the impressive Wilton saw us carved open & a good pull back saw Landamore drive home the opener from just inside the penalty area.

Our resolve is stronger these days & we continued to compete but without really troubling our hosts or being particularly troubled ourselves. All our attacking play just seemed to lack that little bit of composure that is required to create a genuine clear chance & quiet often we made the wrong decision when well placed.

So one down at halftime but with a genuine feeling of optimism we were still in the contest.

But within 2 minutes of the restart, two events turned the destination of the points. Firstly Cromer added a 2^nd through an own goal from Tom Halliwell, whilst being heavily leaned upon by a home striker.

Secondly we went straight to the other end & a long throw from Paul Hunter went through a melee of players & ended up in the back of the net.

With the promising up & coming referee signalling a goal we felt this was just the tonic needed to restore confidence & belief we were back in the game.

However, with some of the Cromer players shrewdly using their experience to claim no one had actually touched the ball on the way in, the young referee consulted his linesman who couldn’t confirm 1 way or another. But I believe a seed of doubt went into the youngsters head & he denied the goal.

A big decision & turning point in this game. Post match discussions in the bar confirmed the home keeper had touched the ball!!

So a mistake but we are all human & whether it would have made a difference to the result is debatable & obviously will never be known.

Cromer added a 3^rd when Bradshaw got free on the far post to head back for Terrington to score from close range.

All 3 subs were introduced, we continued to battle but never really created enough chances or got any rhythm going that would suggest we could trouble Cromer.

So a disappointing day but it’s not back to the drawing board, yet!!

Paul Hunter & BP had decent games but Ben Cudden secured our man of the match award with some safe handling, without having to pull off any spectacular sides. Young Willis again showed some nice touches & a desire for the battle.

The title now looks Cromers to lose but on this display I can’t see it happening.

We now face Beccles at home 1.45 KO with the Reserves playing afterwards.

A lads night out has been arranged for Saturday 30^th April.