Hempnall FC

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We doubled our points tally for the season with a convincing 4-2 win over newly promoted St Andrews on Saturday.

Tom Halliwell failed a fitness test on Friday to join the lengthy absentee list but fortunately Rob Browne returned as his work eased up, Greg Devlin felt fit enough to join the squad and we welcomed new signing Gareth Downs to the club. A big thank you to Blofield football club for their co-operation in letting Gareth go without the customary 7 days.

The first half turned out to one way traffic with keeper Ayton a virtual spectator as we dominated the 45 minutes from start to finish. Numerous chances came and went as we applied pressure but it wasn’t until the 30 minute mark we found the break through. Kelvin Willimott cut in from the left out pacing his marker before drilling his 5th goal of the season into the bottom corner. Rob Browne then added a second when he latched onto a loose ball in the area to volley home (see the Gallery for a demo of perfect technique!).

As the whistle for the end of the half blew, we felt a little disappointed we had not made more of our dominance and warnings were given of our need to finish sides off, showing greater hunger on the chances made.

However, after 10 minutes of the second half, these warnings appeared to be false as Rob Browne headed home his second following good work down the left. The 3 goal lead should have signalled the end of the contest providing we kept our shape and discipline. This didn’t happen and a visible ‘relaxation’ in our play allowed St Andrews to pull a goal back with, Alex Taylor making the most of his opportunity on the far post. Worse was to follow as a debatable free kick on the edge of the area was converted expertly by Danny Pennell to bring the visitors back into the game.

However before they could take advantage of this foot hold we went almost immediately up the other end and Kristian Jones pounced on a mix up in the Saints defence to slot home, giving him his 5th of the season.

This did finish the game as a contest.

In summary, on a day when our overall play did merit 3 points and in my view, a greater margin of victory, we were nearly made to pay for our relaxation and not converting a greater percentage of the chances made.

Carl Harwin again had a good game as did skipper Ben Player but the voted "Man of the match" went to Kelvin Willimott for a tireless display

He is now showing the sort of confidence and finishing that prompted us to bring him to the club.

This week we play Caister in the Cup, 2.00 pm ko.

Final reminder to all of the Race night 7.30 at Topcroft Saturday 21st, please make every effort to make this enjoyable event.