Hempnall FC

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In the absence of Manager Tim Clarke, the match report is by the ever articulate Club Captain, Ben Player:

Hempnall entertained Spixworth in urgent need of a win following last week’s cup exit to Mattishall. The depth of the squad was again shown with three changes from the previous week; Tom Halliwell and Gareth Downs both returned to the starting line up having gained valuable match fitness in the reserves and they were joined in the squad by new signing Paul “BP” Hunter. Marti Addison completed his return from retirement by starting his second game of the season, we knew you couldn’t stay away for long!

Spixworth arrived at Bungay Road on the back of some good recent results and they started the game very brightly. The away side were using the width well with Askew and Ramsey looking particularly threatening. Spixworth were putting pressure on the Hempnall back line, although Halliwell and Downs were offering great support to the Hempnall defence. Both Pitcher and Ramsey spurned opportunities for Spixworth and failed to test Cudden. Although Ramsey had previously been asked to remove his wrong colour cycling shorts (another crazy rule) and didn’t have any other under garments so perhaps he can be forgiven for not being too sharp on a cold day!!!

As the first half wore on Hempnall grew in confidence, with Franklin competing up front and Wenham and Browne causing problems with their pace. Hempnall started to claw their way back into the game and show a confidence that had been lacking in the previous week. Just as it looked like we would enter half time level Hempnall managed to break the deadlock. Good hold up play by Franklin enabled the free spirited Wenham to release Browne on the left flank, his pinpoint cross was met by Halliwell, who calmly guided into the goal. The half time whistle quickly followed and Hempnall were relieved to go in to the break in front after Spixworth had the vast majority of play.

Hempnall started the second half much brighter and were now getting to grips with the new formation. Player and Devlin were now winning the midfield battle and Downs and Halliwell were starting to get forward as well as helping out their defence diligently. However, Spixworth were still causing trouble and Hayton had another chance to level the score but again failed to test Cudden.

Franklin then tried to play a through ball to Wenham, who was unfortunately in an offside position, although not interfering with play. Franklin carried on his run after the ball and despite Wenham’s best efforts to interfere Franklin got there first only to be rashly brough down by the Spixworth keeper Durrant. In fairness to Spixworth Wenham was almost certainly interfering with play at some point but the referee followed the new offside guidelines and awarded the freekick. Another great delivery from Browne saw Franklin left unmarked and “the daddy” does not miss those.

Hempnall were now in control with the Brains of Addison and the Braun of Mills and Harwin ensuring that Cudden had a quiet afternoon. Coach Marti Fuller then made changes with Page and Hunter replacing Downs and Wenham. Another powerful run forward and shot by Devlin saw him strike the post only for the ball to fall kindly to new boy Hunter to tap in and open his account for the club. The game was wrapped up 2 minutes from time when Greg “Lionel Messi” Devlin smashed a free kick into the top corner for his first goal for the club.

Although the score line certainly flattered the home side, this was a very pleasing result. If Spixworth had brought their shooting boots in the first half it could have been a very different story. However, we must ensure that this result is not another false dawn and we must put a run of results together to move up the table. Well done lads.

In the absence of Tim Clarke and JP there was no Man of the Match vote, but “B Players Player” choice would go to Rob Browne for his work rate and quality.