Hempnall, despite losing 2-0, put in a good all-round performance with a reshuffled side against hosts Blofield.There was bags of effort and good controlled football - but it is clear from games like this against the top sides where Hempnall's development is needed and this will be a priority in the summer.

Hempnall, despite losing 2-0, put in a good all-round performance with a reshuffled side against hosts Blofield.

There was bags of effort and good controlled football - but it is clear from games like this against the top sides where Hempnall's development is needed and this will be a priority in the summer.

Hempnall are not that far off a title challenge if they can add a couple of new players either through signings or developing their home grown.

Both sides had key players missing for this key title-chasing game as far as Blofield were concerned and so some reshuffling of sides were required but nevertheless there was still plenty of talent on show to make for a good Anglian Combination Premiership standard game.

Both sides lined up with the same formations so it made for a tight encounter with few chances.

Undoubtedly Blofield held the edge in the first half and Hempnall were lucky to remain on level terms when the impressive Ross Durrant cracked an unstoppable dipping volley onto the crossbar.

After 15 minutes Blofield did take the lead when a long throw was headed on at the near post by Wynne and Gareth Downs had the simplest of tap ins, as he lost his marker to find space in the six-yard box.

Hempnall had possession and placed together some good moves but couldn't find the final ball on several occasions to create that clear opening.

Much of this play stemmed through Kwame Jones who had a fine game showing some excellent hold-up play.

Blofield then created another clear opening but Cudden stood tall to save the opportunity.

The second half saw Hempnall take a bigger share of the possession as some of the Blofield players seemed to tire and the longer the game went on the more Hempnall seemed to edge the possession.

However Hempnall's recent failings of being unable to create a truly clear opening continued and the home keeper was not really tested.

Hempnall's best effort was a Shaun Flint header that just went past a post.

With about 10 minutes remaining Blofield got the killer second when Ross Durrant cut in from the right and cracked an unstoppable half-volley, this time hitting the target to seal the points.

For Hempnall Jamie Pretty had another good game at the back to secure man of the match with Kwame Jones a close second.