Hempnall FC

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A goal in each half saw us gain 3 reasonably comfortable points against a competitive Dersingham side, that must now be looking over their shoulders what with Loddon’s surprise victory at Blofield.

The side only needed one change with JP returning from his busy work schedule to replace Tim Downs who himself was at work. These boys must be loaded lol!!

The performance didn’t reach the heights of last week but the outcome was just as satisfying, as not only did the opposition need to be overcome but also the elements what with the strong wind making good football difficult.

The first goal came after 20 minutes when another good Paul Hunter cross was angled in to Stu Chrystal, with the nimble striker struggling to reach the ball, a defender needlessly dragged him back & the referee pointed to the Spot.

Hunts calmly stroked home the opener, see Trevor’s photos.

The remainder of the half continued to see us probe without further reward but our defence looked solid all day & limited Dersingham to very few chances with Cuds a virtual spectator. He again was the only player that didn’t receive a vote for Man of the match which sums up the amount of action he had to do.

The second half continued much the same as the first, us dominating possession with the midfield winning the ‘battle’ for supremacy.

The second goal came when Tom Halliwell reacted quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area & made no mistake driving it into the corner.

This effectively sealed the game & gave opportunity for subs Adam Mallett & first team debutant James Daniels to enter the game.

The latter very nearly added a 3^rd after he latched onto a long ball & toed it past the keeper. But as it trickled agonisingly towards the goal a defender had time to clear it on the line.

James is a very likeable & popular lad at the club. I have watched as he has made the long journey through our youth, ‘A’ & Reserve teams to the Firsts & it was particularly pleasing to give him his debut. I believe it is 'just reward' for years of hard work.

Without being unkind to James there would not have been many people who would have bet that James would be the one in his youth team to make it through. But he has done it in his own quiet & workman like way, well done.

With all outfield starting players again getting man of the match votes, it shows the team ethic that is currently going on. Tom Halliwell received the man of the match award with a bright & energetic performance.

This gave us our 4 th home win on the bounce.