Hempnall FC

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Saturday I feel was a point gained rather than two lost what with going behind to a team that are always tough opposition & with many of our more attacking/creative players being sidelined.

Matt Cartledge kept his place in the side after a good display the week before & Gavin Whitting joined the squad from the reserves. Mills & Browne led the attack.

We opened brightly with Renaut & player dominating the middle of the park, having more of the possession for a good 20 minutes but didn’t turn possession into clear openings.

After that, Spixworth who looked a good balanced side having drafted in some of the better players from relegated Sprowston, started to get on top. A positional switch of Vincent & Armes made them more effective, creating chances & Cuddy had to pull off two great saves which turned out to be a big factor in gaining a point.

Spixworth’s greater threat in front of goal was rewarded when we allowed Gashut to cross a long ball to the far post & somehow Damian Didwell out jumped 2 defenders & keeper on the far post to score. So,1-0 down at the break.

A good goal for Didwell & Spixworth but our half time & post match chat was based much around it being a bad goal to concede.

The second half continued much as the first with both sides competing hard in a physical but not dirty encounter. Chances were at a premium & it was obvious the game wasn’t full of goals, much as we had planned & expected with a competent but not flamboyant side available on the day.

A substitution was made, allowing Pretty to move further forward & a great opening was carved resulting in a clear header for Rob Browne in the 6 yard box but he headed over.

Twenty minutes to go & the final card in Gav Whitting was introduced together with a tactical switch to 3-5-2.

This paid immediate dividends as the substitute striker was on hand to tap in from 6 yards following a brilliant delivery from the left into his path, his first touch of the game!

Although the tactical switch played some part in the equaliser it also played a part in us losing our shape for the remainder of the game. The game started to swing from end to end with nobody in real control but nor creating clear cut chances.

I felt it was a fair result but Spixworth will probably feel they should have finished us off with the clear openings in the first half.

Iain Mills again secured the man of the match in a tightly voted contest.

This result takes us to 4 matches now unbeaten & has steadied the ship after a shaky start.

Great news for the Club as regard coaching and Club team building in the "News" section.