Tough game for Hempnall
HEMPNALL travelled to North Walsham expecting a tough game after a narrow 1-0 victory two weeks ago and so it turned out. The challenge was made harder by some difficult weather conditions and a very uneven surface.
HEMPNALL travelled to North Walsham expecting a tough game after a narrow 1-0 victory two weeks ago and so it turned out.
The challenge was made harder by some difficult weather conditions and a very uneven surface.
Simon Jackson returned to the side to replace the holidaying Barry Allard, with Matt Cawston and the evergreen veteran Paul Cushion completing the squad.
The opening period saw Hempnall playing some nice football, stringing several good passing moves together but never really hurting the opposition. Walsham's Clarke was released up front and did well to lose both Mills and Addison before forcing his shot past Ben Cudden to open the scoring after 20 minutes.
Five minutes later Hempnall found themselves two down when some more unnecessary passing caused them to lose possession .
As a home striker burst through, Ben Cudden got a hand to the ball, which ran loose and as Cudden made another despairing dive to save again, the home striker used the big keeper's out-stretched arm to trip over and secure a penalty.
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Hempnall continued to battle, hitting the crossbar on one occasion and Paul Franklin was unlucky when his goal-bound shot hit a defender on the back.
A shake-up at half-time seemed to work, as more effort and drive was produced from the team. Player, Downs and Pretty in particular seemed to have the bit between their teeth.
After 55 minutes, Shaun Flint joined the fray and started to cause the tiring Walsham defenders problems but Hempnall couldn't find that elusive goal.
You have to compete from the word go in this division, or you will end up with nothing. Too many players didn't do this and a two-goal start against any side, let alone a good one like Walsham, means you are up against it.
Ben Player again secured the man of the match award with another typical workmanlike performance.
The end-of-season club event has been switched to The Doghouse pub on Friday, May 8, following the closure of Bar 18. Please see your manager or a member of the committee for full details and tickets.
