Loddon United got a much-needed boost on Wednesday night when they gained their first win of the season.

The Anglian Combination Premier Division table (see results page) now shows they have four points following their 2-1 win at Wroxham Reserves.

Loddon United 2, Hempnall 3

LODDON suffered yet another last-minute blow in their search for points at home against local rivals Hempnall on Saturday.

Hancock went close with a header from Brown’s corner, and a clever overhead kick just cleared the Loddon bar. Loddon then drew first blood on six minutes when Sadler knocked the ball inside to Brown, who slipped it through to Robin Andersen overlapping down the left and a quick, square ball was diverted in by Wise for his first of the season.

Almost immediately Hempnall attacked. The ball ping-ponged around the Loddon box and Squire made a terrific point-blank block to prevent the equaliser. Brown then tried a strange clearance but conceded a corner which Loddon failed to defend, and a diving header levelled matters.

Loddon were playing some decent football. Sadler showed lovely control before a neat chip just evaded Dan Andersen. Robin Andersen, at the hub of most things good for Loddon, found Wise on the run but the keeper came out of the box to head clear.

Good possession of 15 or so passes ended when Burke looked for Dan Andersen, who appeared fouled when failing to latch onto the pass.

Hempnall then threatened, Loddon failed to clear and Robinson made a great double save, getting hurt in the process.

A Hempnall snap-shot just cleared the bar but scrappy defending saw Loddon hold out to half-time.

Dan Andersen and Hancock managed efforts off-target and a good move down the right via Summons and Brown saw Dan take one too many touches into the box before shooting and was closed down.

At the other end, Hempnall fired into the box from the right. It came off Squire, off Hancock and off the bar before being cleared. Summons and Brown set up Wise and his sweet drive forced a good save.

On the hour, Dan Andersen chipped to Brown, he squared and good movement by Sadler saw him nip in to put Loddon 2-1 ahead.

More Loddon pressure and corners came to nothing. Squire made another vital block and on 75 minutes Hancock brought down a Hempnall striker, but the penalty hit a post.

Loddon believed that Lady Luck was finally looking out for them. But two minutes later, Robinson had to palm an awkward bounce over the bar and in doing the same from the corner, pushed a forward and another penalty was awarded.

This time they made no mistake and the score was level at 2-2.

In the last minute, Hancock cleared to Robin Andersen, who uncharacteristically skewed his clearance straight to Hempnall player. With one side-step, he sent an unstoppable curler into the top corner to break Loddon’s hearts.

Loddon deserved at least a point, but again suffered by not converting chances when dominating, and losing concentration at vital moments.

A steady display by Baylis, and Musker McIntyre man of the match Robin Andersen.

Loddon: Robinson, Hancock (captain), Baylis, Squire, Andersen R, Andersen D, Summons G, Burke, Sadler, Brown, Wise. Subs: Ayre M, Greenhalf, Andersen C.