Hempnall FC

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We travelled to Mattishall for our Senior Cup game with the rarity of an unchanged line up.

With Mattishall being the Cup holders we knew it was going to be a tough game & if previous encounters were anything to go by, a game that would be tight with few goals.

We started the brighter but this only lasted for about 10 minutes as Mattishall came back into the game, working hard & placing in some physical challenges for which old Hempnall boy Rob Connolly was the first to be punished with a yellow card.

The pattern of the game was exactly as we had anticipated & although the starting 11 were the same there had been some positional tweaks to combat the more physical side of the game, no complaints there, we are capable as anyone on this side of the game.

There was an interesting dual between Foley & Fulcher developing and the latter was particularly lucky only to receive a yellow as he lashed out with both foot & hand after one such encounter.

Neither side created any real clear opening so we entered halftime with things being all square but optimism we were shading proceedings.

More of the same was requested & the boys continued to work hard, sticking to the tactical strategy laid out for the day.

The game turned on a defensive lapse by Mattishall that resulted in the ball running free in the penalty area & Rob ‘Long John’ Browne duly lashed home to give the rejuvenated striker his 2^nd in 2 games.

With our noses in front we were calm & collected as we continued to shade a tight game.

Neil Renaut had to leave the pitch with an injury & it was good to see the return of Vaughan Stevenson after over a months absence, as his lack of oxygen testified after 2 or 3 runs!!

Mattishall never gave up as you would expect from the Cup holders but we saw ourselves over the line without too many scares.

Overall a satisfying victory full of effort, discipline & teamwork with all players receiving votes, but again Iain Mills received the man of the match award with all action leading of the line.

A great Themed night out then followed, see a few of the photos on the web.

This week we travel to Stalham 1.30 KO in the Mummery Cup.

The last 2 weeks have been a very testing time for players & management alike what with results not going our way plus club stalwarts Marty Fuller & most likely Paul Franklin deciding it was time to call it a day.

Again I wish to thank all who have rallied around giving us the platform, support & energy to steady the ship & achieve 2 vital away wins, which have done much to restore confidence & belief.

Perhaps more importantly I wish to add my thanks to Marty & Franks whose contributions have been massive in shaping this club to be an established Premier side with character & respect in the football community.

Two first class guys, whose commitment has been second to none, their skills, character and presence, will be missed.