Hemsby travelled to face bottom side Loddon Reserves on Bank Holiday Monday and suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat.

They were half expecting to find the game called off as Loddon have been unable to raise a side on a number of occasions this season.

But they did have a team this time, with the lack of a first team match helping them out.

Hemsby certainly started the better and had a good early chance when Joe Kenny found Kristian Sutton, but a defender just managed to get a block in.

Grant Osben then sent Kenny away with a perfect pass, but the keeper thwarted his effort with his legs and Osben failed to hit the target from the follow-up.

Hemsby lost young Felix Andrews to injury, forcing a major reshuffle, and that affected the balance for a while and Loddon took the lead with their first attack as a good ball split the Hemsby defence and the striker’s miss-hit shot fooled Rui Goncalves.

Hemsby pushed to get back on level terms, but on the extremely bumpy pitch found it difficult to play any decent passing football.

Everyone thought it would be 1-1 when Sutton was played in behind the defence and he hit an effort that looked as though it would fly in, but the home keeper produced a superb save to deny him. Loddon then created a good chance for themselves following a free-kick and really should have doubled their lead.

The hosts started the second half the better and within two minutes of the restart had a great chance to double their lead when a home striker went down under what looked a fair challenge from Mikey Grayson but fortunately Goncalves saved the spot-kick. Hemsby continually pushed for an equaliser, with full backs Russell Marriott and Kyle Simnett causing major problems down the wings as they joined in every attack.

A good move down the right eventually made its way to Jonny Williams and his first time effort was blocked and the three follow-ups from the rebounds hit Loddon players in the area.

Mauro Cardoso then had a chance but saw his shot turned over the bar and no matter how hard Hemsby tried they just could not find an equaliser and the game finished with a disappointing loss. The Fish & Grill Man of the match was Russell Marriott.

Hemsby are away to Sheringham Reserves on Saturday.