Mattishall set early title pace

Hempnall 0, Mattishall 1

EARLY leaders of the Sterry Cup race for the Anglian Combination championship Mattishall travelled to Hempnall looking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season but were forced to make four changes due to work commitments and unavailability.

Three of them were in the back four, with manager Tipple naming himself as a substitute. He scored the only goal of the game.

The opening stages were mainly contested in midfield and there were no clear-cut chances, although the home side's Page had a shot deflected just wide and then a fine cross by Hunter saw Page head just over.

The hosts continued to have more of the possession and a fine strike by Pretty saw keeper Pledger palm the ball away as it was heading for the top corner. A non-eventful first half ended all square.

Early in the second half Dougall did well getting to the by-line and his dangerous cross was cleared by Evans for a corner which came to nothing.

With Mattishall's attack of Dougall and Lovell making very little impact, manager Tipple replaced Dougall as the game continued as a midfield battle.

The home keeper Beetenson saw his clearance charged down by Gibbons and the rebound went narrowly wide.

Just as the game looked to be heading for a goalless draw, Delaney won a free-kick right on the edge of the box.

Tipple strode up and rifled the kick into the top right corner of the net - a goal worthy of winning any game.

However, from the re-start Hempnall's Franklin forced Pledger into a fingertip save, the ballt shaving a post for a corner which came to nothing.

The visitors' defence of Hill, Sommerfield, Stenner and Palmer deservedly kept a clean sheet and Mattishall collected all three points and maintained their impressive start to the season.

Mattishall A started the season under the guidance of Ady Hewitt with a fine 3-2 win at Scarning.

This young side's goals were scored by Joe Gaston (2) and Aaron Banham.