Hempnall FC

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We returned from the trip to Dersingham with a very satisfying 5-1 victory, especially given that visits in recent years have seen us make the long journey home on the end of similar reverse score lines. To be fair to the hosts, they were not a full strength with last season's misdemeanours impacting their squad through suspensions, but none the less our very youthful looking starting line up did extremely well.

Early preparations were disrupted as one of our number arrived late but the reshuffled team worked a treat, particularly going forward where the pace of Browne, Page and Willimott opened up the home defence on numerous occasions.

The deadlock was broken early when a long throw was flicked on by Franklin for Tom Halliwell to scramble home in the box.

10 minutes later Willimott was set away outstripping the home defence before neatly rounding the keeper to tuck the ball into an empty net.

Just before halftime Rob Browne made a great run and cross down the left for the inrushing Paul Franklin to power home with his head.

The back four looked very solid and mobile with Jamie Pretty returning from his social events (four weddings and a funeral have nothing on this bloke!), Downs and Harwin (Hinge & Bracket) looking as composed as ever and the flamboyant (total football) Wenham at his artistic best.

The second half opened up with Dersingham refusing to lie down and they held the advantage for 15 minutes or so as they battled for every ball but we held firm.

20 minutes into the second half the ‘killer' 4th goal came when Carl Harwin headed home from a set piece. Kristian Jones, Marc Garrod and Gareth Downs entered the game and a 5th goal duly arrived when Kristian struck a 30 yard ‘bobbler' that some how deceived the keeper to give the big striker his 6th goal of the campaign.

A very healthy return at this stage. Right at the death, loose possession of the ball in the final third resulted in Dersingham breaking forward and Copeland scoring a consolation goal that their ‘spirit' probably deserved but was none the less disappointing from a defensive point of view.

In a good all round team performance where there were many 8 out of 10 contributions, Carl Harwin secured the 'man of the match' award with skipper Ben Player a close second, with another all action performance. It was also good to see the goals again spread throughout the side.

Sadly, the match signalled the last game for Tim Downs of this current season, as he now goes ‘globe trotting' but in Arnie style ‘he will be back'! He will be missed as he has grown into a major character both on and off the pitch, which is a massive credit to the guy who came as a ‘nomadic petulant young boy' who was often seen roaming, looking for his dummy at many a ground after the game!! Well done, Downsy, have a great time and we all look forward to your return, a 'top man and great clubman'.