Loddon United 0, Hempnall 1LODDON failed to match the standard set against Downham Town the previous week, and although they had the better of the first half, they succumbed to a single-goal defeat to local rivals.

Loddon United 0, Hempnall 1

LODDON failed to match the standard set against Downham Town the previous week, and although they had the better of the first half, they succumbed to a single-goal defeat to local rivals.

In the first minute Collins saved with his legs and in reply Marjoribanks could only find the visiting keeper from a Robin Andersen cross. Ricky Summons stretched but could not control his wide effort and Wise controlled but shot tamely to the keeper following a great cross from Sadler.

Durrant continued his good form, showing great skill and awareness at the back before heading just over from a Gary Summons corner. A long ball looked to be bouncing harmlessly through to the visiting keeper, but Wise beat keeper and defender in the air to win a corner.

Marjoribanks was a whisker away from connecting with a Sadler cross and a good win by Chris Andersen set up Dan, and his cross found Wise - but the keeper claimed at the second attempt.

Squires accelerated out of defence and put Wise away only to see the flag raised as he fired over.

Chris Andersen tried his luck from distance and Collins easily gathered a Hempnall “daisy cutter.”

Just before the break, Loddon had a great chance. Dan Andersen won the ball and found Wise. He beat two, cut in and returned to Andersen who fired his drive into the keeper's midriff.

Although Ricky Summons sliced an opportunity wide inside a minute of the restart, efforts going wide, and Collins felt the effect of Hempnall's physical presence at crosses.

Hancock replaced Chris Andersen. Good approach play and pass by Gary Summons set up Sadler who laid it to Robin Andersen.

He sent in a teasing cross but Marjoribanks mis-controlled close in and the keeper gathered to foil a glorious chance.

Hempnall pressed again and a cross from their right set up a shot which Hancock did well to block. The resultant corner was curled in and the Hempnall No 8 rose unchallenged to head home.

Wise won a free-kick which Marjoribanks sent high over the bar and Brown replaced Sadler as Loddon chased the game.

Loddon attacked down their left and some neat skill by Ricky Summons, Wise and Robin Andersen won a corner. Gary Summons delivered and Robin Andersen's header was just wide with Hancock looking poised just behind him.

Wise beat his man and drove wide and another good move broke down with Squires coming to the rescue. Loddon still failed to test the Hempnall keeper.

No more than an average overall performance, but with his usual above average contribution to the cause, the Musker McIntyre man-of-the-match award goes to Richard Durrant.

Loddon United: Collins, Andersen C, Squires, Durrant, Andersen R, Andersen D, Summons G, Summons, R Sadler, Marjoribanks, Wise. Subs: Brown, Hancock.

Tomorrow, Loddon visit Watton (2.30pm ko).