Hempnall FC

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Most of the credit in this game must go to a very young Wroxham squad who came with their resources severely stretched but put together a workman like performance that so very nearly saw them leave with all 3 points.

For our part we undoubtedly had the Lions share of the possession but on the night the composure to find that all important shot or final pass was missing.

Carl Harwin returned as did Kelvin Willimott as JP & Neil Renaut were unavailable.

However Carl’s involvement in the game was restricted to 10 minutes as he had to leave with a leg injury collected after a collision with the visiting goalkeeper.

Greg Devlin slotted into midfield & Millsy who had a fine game dropped to the back.

It is difficult to think of any worthwhile chances in the first half as we ‘huffed & puffed’ but couldn’t find the opener to settle the nerves that were clearly there, half chances and possession yes but no opener.

Halftime came with a request to relax, show more composure & to try to stop forcing the issue to early. A more patient approach was required.

Undoubtedly, the second half contained more control but still we could find the break through as Wroxham continued to defend resolutely and work hard.

We then feared the worst when a dipping volley from 20 yards left Cudden rooted to the spot flew into the back of the net.

However, we are made off sterner stuff these days and the work rate, discipline and desire to continue to find that elusive goal was admirable.

Finally, the possession told when a clear penalty following a scramble in the penalty area arrived.

Up stepped Paul Franklin with the mental toughness required to place an unstoppable penalty kick in the bottom corner. This combined with his other efforts to drive the guys on, secured him man of the match.

As with Saturday, the results went against us elsewhere and the Sterry Cup looks to be heading back to Cromer. However, our goal was a top 4 finish which is within our grasp and we will be pushing to finish as high as possible.

It hasn’t been the last 2 results that have cost us but our poor form before Christmas, since the turn we have lost only 1 game in a 12 match spell, which looks to place us in very good shape for next season with the squad now being much stronger.