Hethersett Athletic

Men's First team pictured above before their opening game of the season at Eaton Beehive. Back (left to right) - Danny Self, Nathan Turner, James Rice, Ross Potter, Chris Bolderstone, Matt Steward, Martyn Carver, Chris Arnold. Front - Matt Barrett, Dean Fitzgerald, Sam Wenham, Mark Appleton, Lee Barrett, Chris Smedmor.

League Match One: Eaton Beehive (1) 2 Hethersett Athletic (0) 1

Hethersett: Chris Bolderstone; Sam Wenham, Matt Steward, Ross Potter (sub Nathan Turner 15 mins), Matt Barrett, Dean Fitzgerald, Martyn Carver (sub James Rice 45 mins), Chris Smedmor, Danny Self, Chris Arnold (sub Lee Barrett 63 mins), Mark Appleton.

Goals: 11 mins Eaton Beehive; 73 mins Eaton Beehive; 89 mins Nathan Turner

Hethersett Bookings: Danny Self (kicking ball away), James Rice (failing to notify referee of substitution), Martyn Carver (failing to notify referee of substitution)

Venue: Eaton CNS School. Conditions: Warm with heavy swirling wind. Pitch condition: Long grass otherwise good quality. Referee: P. Edwards (mark awarded 5 out of 10)

Other Information: Danny Self missed penalty.

Hethersett's season got off to a very disappointing start against newly promoted Eaton Beehive in a match where we had plenty of possession but failed to make headway against an enthusiastic and determined home side.

Too many players were off key and it was a highly disjointed performance. It has to be said that Eaton deserved to win. On top of their two goals they had two more ruled out for offside as the Hethersett defence looked frail and the midfield disjointed.

Eaton took the lead after 11 minutes as they were given too much space to shoot home. Four minutes later Hethersett suffered a double blow when Danny Self was booked and player manager Ross Potter had to come off with a shoulder injury. Eaton had a goald ruled out after 35 minutes but finished the first half by far the stronger.

Hethersett brought on James Rice for Martyn Carver at half-time and that led to the farcical situation of both being booked for failing to inform a very pedantic referee of the change.

After 58 minutes Eaton had another strike ruled out for a marginal offside decision. Hethersett began to wake up and were awarded a penalty on the hour after a trip in the box. Disappointingly Danny Self's spot kick hit the underside of the bar and was scrambled clear. It somehow summed up Hethersett's day and there was no great surprise when Eaton made it 2-0 after 73 minutes.

In the last five minutes Hethersett began to play some more constructive football and Nathan Turner headed home in the last minute, but it was too little too late.

County Cup Round One: AFC Gorleston (0) 2 3 Hethersett Athletic (2) 2 3

Hethersett: Michael Larkin; Paul Franklin (sub Ross Potter 58 minutes), Matt Barrett, Martyn Carver, Danny Self, Danny Ganley, John Curtis, Ben Player, Chris Smedmor (sub James Rice 25 minutes), Mark Appleton, Chris Arnold.

Goals: 4 mins Mark Appleton; 45 mins Mark Appleton; 52 mins AFC Gorleston; 89 mins AFC Gorleston; 98 mins AFC Gorleston; 106 mins Matt Barrett.

Venue: Mill Lane, Bradwell. Conditions: Very warm. Pitch Conditions: Firm. Referee: Andy Symonds (mark awarded 75 out of 100)

Other Information; Danny Self missed penalty with the last kick of normal time. Ross Potter had to leave the pitch through injury towards the end of the second half.

This must go down as one of the most exciting matches in the history of Hethersett Athletic as it had everything.

Two committed teams, bags of skill, goalmouth incidents, a missed penalty, late goals and extra-time were just a few of the features that kept the result in doubt and at the end it was difficult to judge which team were the more happy with gaining a replay.

Both had opportunities galore to win the game and both could have won it with a little more steel. Hethersett could be forgiven for being disappointed at not winning after being 2-0 ahead at half-time and then missing an injury time penalty that would have given them victory. On the other hand they were relieved to take the match to a replay after being reduced to 10 men through injury for all of extra-time, then scoring a late late equaliser and clearing a last ditch Gorleston effort off the line. For neutrals it was the perfect game of local football but for those aligned to either team, it was a nailbiting game that swung back and forth over the entire 110 minutes.

Hethersett made four changes from last week's team with Dean Fitzgerald unavailable and Matt Steward, Sam Wenham and Chris Bolderstone sidelined through injury. In came Paul Franklin and Michael Larkin for their club debuts and Ben Player, Danny Ganley and John Curtis returned to the side.

It took Hethersett just four minutes to open the scoring with Mark Appleton getting in behind the Gorleston defence to score his first goal of the season. Hethersett had the best of the first half, although Larkin had to be in top form to save a point blank shot.

The visitors increased their lead on the stroke of half-time when once again the speed of Mark Appleton saw him outstrip the defence to fire home.

Gorleston came out strongly in the second half as Hethersett suffered a number of injuries to key players and struggled to hold the home team who pulled one back after 52 minutes. It looked only a matter of time before they equalised until Hethersett began to dig in. Just when Athletic looked like holding on their defence stayed static as a Gorleston forward ran onto a chip to head home before Larkin could get to the ball.

As the game looked certain to enter extra-time, Hethersett mounted one final attack and were awarded a penalty after a trip in the box. Danny Self put his spot kick wide and the referee immediately blew for the end of normal time.

Hethersett faced 20 extra minutes with only 10 men when player-manager Potter was forced to leave the field with a thigh injury. Gorleston pushed forward and looked to have won the tie with a goal just before the end of the first period.

Hethersett had no option but to push forward and it paid off just four minutes from time when Matt Barrett glanced a header into the net. Even then there was a scare for the visitors when Curtis somehow managed to scramble a late Gorleston shot off the line.

It was a pulsating and exciting match that could have gone either way and in the end a replay was probably the right result.

County Cup First Round Replay: Hethersett Athletic (0) 3 AFC Gorleston (2) 2

Hethersett: Michael Larkin; Martyn Carver, Matt Barrett, Daniel Ganley, Sam Wenham (sub James Rice 76 min), Dean Fitzgerald, Paul Franklin, Ben Player, John Curtis, Mark Appleton, Chris Arnold (sub Lee Barrett 49 minutes).

Goals: 31 min AFC Gorleston; 37 min AFC Gorleston; 47 min Paul Franklin; 68 min Ben player; 74 min Mark Appleton.

Venue: Easton College. Conditions: Warm with cloud cover Pitch condition: Very good. Referee: Barry Drewery (mark awarded 80 out of 100)

Hethersett deservedly reached the second round of the senior cup with a stunning comeback after being two goals down at half-time in their first ever match at Easton College.

It was almost an identical game to the previous weeks with the away team building up a two goal half-time lead only to allow the home side back into the match.

But this time Hethersett were in no mood for giving away a late late equaliser and finished the stronger of two very good sides.

Hethersett were forced to make a number of changes due to injury and unavailability with Dean Fitzgerald replacing Danny Self in midfield and Sam Wenham returning to the side after recovering from illness.

Hethersett arguably had the better of the first half but still went in two goals down after defensive lapses allowed Gorleston to score after 37 and 47 minutes. Earlier Mark Appleton had a first minute goal disallowed for offside. Appleton also had a shot saved by the goalkeeper's legs after being put clean through and Dean Fitzgerald had an effort tipped over the bar.

Despite being two down Hethersett always looked capable of coming back and were the much stronger outfit after the break. It took just two minutes for them to pull a goal back when Paul Franklin shot home with the ball taking a deflection. Hethersett continued to press forward and the equaliser came after 68 minutes when Ben Player hammered home with the ball coming down off the underside of the bar. Both referee and linesman adjudged it to have crossed the line.

The home side were in no mood to let the tie slip again and Mark Appleton gave them the lead with what turned out to be the winner 15 minutes from the end. Gorleston failed to clear after a bout of head tennis in their area and Appleton pounced.

Gorleston tried to mount attacks towards the end but Hethersett held on strongly and finished the better team to earn another difficult away tie at Bohemians of Great Yarmouth in the second round.

League Match Two: Acle Sunday (1) 3 Hethersett Athletic (3) 4

Hethersett: Michael Larkin; Sam Wenham, Matt Steward, Matt Barrett, Dean Fitzgerald, Martyn Carver, James Rice, Danny Self, Mark Appleton, Paul Franklin (sub Daniel Ganley 47 mins), John Curtis.

Goals: 2 min Paul Franklin; 31 min Mark Appleton; 39 min James Rice; 41 min Acle, 55 min Acle (penalty); 60 min Acle (penalty), 76 min Dean Fitzgerald.

Hethersett Bookings: Matt Barrett (persistent foul play)

Venue: Acle. Conditions: Warm and sunny. Pitch condition: Good Referee: J. Lain-Rogers (mark awarded 5 out of 10)

Hethersett's matches are never dull and this was another example of a match going one way then the other.

Hethersett built up a comfortable 3-1 half-time lead only to see the home side come back at them to equalise with two second half penalties before Dean Fitzgerald deservedly gave the visitors the points with a cheeky goal 14 minutes from the end.

Matt Steward returned to the side after injury and James Rice started in midfield with Danny Ganley on the bench. Once again Hethersett started strongly and it took just two minutes for them to take the lead when a long crossfield ball found John Curtis. His pinpoint pass found Paul Franklin and he swept the ball home for his second goal in consecutive matches.

Both teams had their chances but it was Hethersett who increased their lead after 31 minutes when Mark Appleton outstripped the home defence to slip the ball past the 'keeper and eight minutes later it got even better when Appleton got round the back of a static defence and pulled the ball back for James Rice to tap home after checking his run to perfection.

Four minutes from half-time Acle pulled one back when a free kick took a wicked deflection.

Acle always looked capable and forcing their way back into the game but it took two penalty decisions to get them back on level terms. The first was a mystery to both teams as James Rice was adjudged to have fouled. The second was more clear cut after a foul by Martyn Carver.

At that point it looked as if the home side were capable of winning the game, but it was the visitors who showed their character when Dean Fitzgerald cheekily headed home a throw-in which he allowed to bounce behind a square Acle defence.

Michael Larkin made a number of good saves in the Hethersett goal and the game could have been spoiled by an over zealous referee and the slightly intimidating tactics of the home team.

League Match Three Hethersett Athletic (0) 2 Aylsham Sunday (0) 2

Hethersett: Michael Larkin; Sam Wenham, Matt Steward, Matt Barrett, Dean Fitzgerald, Martyn Carver, James Rice, Ian Mills, Mark Appleton, Chris Arnold (sub Daniel Ganley 68 mins), John Curtis. Subs (not used) - Chris Bolderstone, Stephen Beck

Goals: 76 mins Acle: 77 mins Ian Mills: 77 mins Acle: 87 mins Matt Steward

Venue: Easton College. Conditions: Warm and sunny. Pitch condition: Good Referee: J. Chapman (mark awarded 7 out of 10)

This was another stunning advert for local football with two committed teams both searching for victory.

Hethersett had the territorial advantage but Acle twice held the lead.

Despite excellent football the match looked to be heading for a goalless draw until an amazing spell of three goals in as many minutes in the second half.

Firstly Aylsham scored with a ripping shot into the top corner after 76 minutes. Hethersett kicked off an immediately equalised when Ian Mills carved himself an opening and let fly with an equally vicious shot that again found its way into the top corner.

Not to be outdone, Aylsham pushed forward immediately from the re-start and scored an even better goal from over 25 yards that left Mike Larkin clawing at thin air.

Hethersett, who had two very strong penalty appeals turned down, were determined not to lose and deservedly equalised when Ian Mills headed a corner back across goal and the unmarked Matt Steward scored with a close range header.

Overall a draw was probably a fair result although some of the Hethersett midfield play and approach work was excellent.

County Cup Second Round Bohemians (2) 2 Hethersett (0) 3

Hethersett: Chris Bolderstone; Sam Wenham, Matt Steward, Matt Barrett, Danny Self (sub Chris Arnold 14th minute), Martyn Carver, James Rice, Mark Appleton, John Curtis, S. Woodcock, S. Beck. Subs (not used) - Paul Franklin, Luke Appleton

Goals: 32 mins Bohemians: 39 mins Bohemians: 58 mins John Curtis: 83 mins John Curtis: 86 mins John Curtis.

Venue: Great Yarmouth. Conditions: Warm and sunny. Pitch condition: Poor (grass too long) Referee: Tony Webb (mark awarded 76 out of 100).

A stunning second half hat-trick from John Curtis took Athletic into the final 16 of the County Cup after they had looked to be down and out at half-time.

Not for the first time this season, Hethersett made things difficult for themselves by giving away silly goals. This time Bohemians built up a 2-0 half-time lead with two strikes on the break as Hethersett's defence dozed.

It was a poor first half display by the visitors, who knew they had to do something after the break to keep their interest in the cup alive.

John Curtis was pushed forward after the break to successful effect as Hethersett camped almost exclusively in the home team's half. Curtis' first two strikes were very similar after 58 and 83 minutes respectively. On both occasions winger Steven Beck, playing his first game of the season for the first team, sent in inch perfect balls for Curtis to run onto and fire past a static 'keeper.

Hethersett looked to have earned themselves extra-time but Curtis had other thoughts and four minutes from the end completed his hat-trick with a shot into the top corner form 25 yards that was a fitting winner to a cup tie where Hethersett rode their luck before hitting back with a vengeance.

League Match Four: Delaneys (0) 2 Hethersett Athletic (0) 0

Hethersett: Chris Bolderstone; Sam Wenham (sub Steven Beck 85 min), Matt Barrett, Dean Fitzgerald, Martyn Carver, James Rice (sub Chris Arnold 80 mins), Dave Stevens, Mark Appleton, John Curtis, James Curson, Scott Woodcock

Goals: 65 min Delaneys; 77 min Delaneys

Venue: Cringleford Playing Field. Conditions: Reasonably warm, cloudy with light rain towards the end. Pitch condition: Good Referee: V. Petrie (mark awarded 5 out of 10)

Hethersett could have few complaints about their second league defeat of the season against a solid Delaneys' team.

Hethersett matched the home team in the first half and had a number of chances but failed to score. After the break the home side's defence held Hethersett comfortably and Delaneys made sure of the points with goals after 65 and 77 minutes.

It was a serious set-back to any hopes Athletic have of winning the title this year.

League Match Five: Hethersett Athletic (0) 1 Quebec (0) 0

Hethersett: Chris Bolderstone, Martyn Carver, Chris Arnold, Matt Barrett, Matt Steward, Sam Wenham, John Curtis, Mark Appleton, Scott Woodcock (sub Stephen Beck 85 mins), James Rice, Luke Appleton. Subs (not used) - Matt Cartledge, Mike Larkin.

Goals: 74 min Scott Woodcock

Venue: Easton College: Conditions: soft pitch, warm day. Referee: M. Weavers (mark awarded 6 out of 10)

Hethersett made a number of enforced changes and found the art of teamwork as they deservedly beat Quebec to hoist themselves out of the bottom two in the league.

They have now beaten the top two sides and more league consistency should soon see them push up the league.

The pace of Hethersett's frontrunners had Quebec in trouble but the home side failed to make the most of their chances until they won the match with a fine goal. Mark Appleton outstripped the Quebec defence on the left wing before getting to the line and pulling the ball back to Scott Woodcock, who turned and fired into the net.

Despite their dominance, Chris Bolderstone made some good saves to ensure the unbeaten run at Easton went on.

County Cup Third Round Hethersett Athletic (2) 6 El Sol (1) 2

Hethersett: Chris Bolderstone; Matt Barrett, Danny Self, Lee Barrett, Luke Appleton, John Curtis, Dean Fitzgerald (sub James Rice 79 min), Paul Franklin, Sam Wenham (sub Matt Cartledge 70th minute), Mark Appleton, Scott Woodcock. Sub (not used) - Michael Larkin

Goals: 38 mins Paul Franklin: 39 mins Mark Appleton: 43 mins El Sol: 47 mins El Sol: 65 mins Mark Appleton: 71 mins Scott Woodcock: 75 mins Scott Woodcock: 85 mins Mark Appleton.

Venue: Easton College: Conditions: Perfect. Referee R. Beevor (mark awarded 9 out of 10).

Hethersett reached the quarter-finals of the County Cup and are within two matches of returning to Carrow Road.

Manager Ross Potter was again forced to shuffle his pack with a number of players unavailable, but those chosen responded well to the challenge.

Lee Barrett and Danny Self formed an unlikely but effective central defensive partnership with Paul Franklin and Dean Fitzgerald returning to the side and James Rice stepping down to substitute.

Hethersett totally dominated the first half and had a hatful of chances before Paul Franklin opened the scoring after 38 minutes. His first shot was well saved by the 'keeper, but he fired the rebound into the net. Almost immediately Mark Appleton outstripped a rather ponderous visiting defence to make it 2-0 before El Sol pulled a goal back just before half-time when Franklin handled from a corner and the visitors scored from the penalty spot.

El Sol attacked from the start of the second half and equalised after just two minutes and for a time Hethersett struggled. Then they upped their game a gear and their pace up front and superior fitness saw them run out comfortable winners with Appleton scoring twice to complete a hat-trick and Scott Woodcock running in two more.

Hethersett had numerous chances to increase their lead and finished comfortable winners.

League Match Six: Prince of Denmark (2) 3 Hethersett Athletic (3) 6

HETHERSETT: Chris Bolderstone; Martyn Carver, Matt Cartledge, Lee Barrett, Matt Barrett (sub Ross Potter 88 mins), Dean Fitzgerald, Stephen Beck (sub Matt Bradfield 70 min), James Rice, Sam Wenham, Scott Woodcock, John Curtis.

GOALS: 5 mins Stephen Beck; 10 mins Scott Woodcock; 12 mins Martyn Carver; 26 min Prince of Denmark; 40 mins Prince of Denmark; 46 mins John Curtis; 55 mins Prince of Denmark; 71 mins John Curtis; 74 mins Scott Woodcock.

Venue: Rackheath: Conditions: Cold and bright with a bumpy pitch. Referee D. Sandall (mark awarded 7 out of 10).

An explosive start from Hethersett saw them take a 3-0 lead within the first 12 minutes with some delightful football that brough goals from Stephen Beck after five minutes, Scott Woodcock after 10 minutes and Martyn Carver after 12 minutes.

The home team refused to lay down, however, and gradually brought themselves back into the match with goals in the 26th and 40th minute.

For a short time in the second half it looked as if the home side would get back into the match, but John Curtis steadied the Hethersett ship to make it 4-2 before Prince of Denmark pulled another goal back.

Once again Hethersett, who had been forced to make a number of changes, finished strongly and John Curtis and Scott Woodcock scored further goals to make it six for the second week running. Dean Fitzgerald was booked for dissent after 23 minutes and Matt Bradfield came on as substitute for his first team debut.

Key Moments:

5 min: A blistering run down the wing by Sam Wenham ended with a cross to Steve Beck who found himself in space. He took his time before finding the back of the net to open the scoring.

10 min: Wenham again outpaced the home defence and this time played in Scott Woodcock who held over two challenges before firing home.

11 min: Woodcock went through again but this time his shot was well saved by the 'keeper.

12 min: From the resulting corner, Martyn Carver rose at the far post to head home goal number three.

23 min: Dean Fitzgerald was booked for dissent after a crunching tackle on James Rice which saw a Prince of Denmark player being booked. Rice had to receive lengthy treatment but was able to continue. The incident seemed to unsettle Hethersett who allowed the home team back into the match.

26 min: Prince of Denmark sent in what looked like a speculative centre which was caught by the wind and drifted into the roof of the net.

40 mins: The home side continued to look dangerous and one of their forwards ran through from what appeared to be an offside position to make it 2-3.

46 mins: John Curtis put Hethersett 4-2 up with a towering header.

49 mins: Scott Woodcock rounded the 'keeper but this time his shot was cleared off the line by a defender.

52 mins: Chris Bolderstone made a good save low to his right to turn the ball round a post.

55 mins: The Hethersett 'keeper had a nightmare moment when he failed to deal with a high swirling centre which he could only palm into his own net.

57 mins: Prince of Denmark rattled the crossbar with a long distance free kick

70 mins: Stephen Beck limped off with a leg injury and Matt Bradfield came on for his first team debut. The home side attacked and should have scored when clean through but their player shot wide.

71 mins: The miss proved costly as Curtis ran onto a fine Lee Barrett pass to make it 5-3.

74 mins: Matt Barrett sent an inch perfect ball through to Woodcock to fire home his second.

88 mins: Matt Barrett limped off to be replaced by player-manager Ross Potter making his return after being out for a number of weeks through injury.

League Match Seven: Hethersett Athletic (3) 4 Poringland (1) 2

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Martyn Carver, Matt Steward, Matt Cartledge, John Curtis, Steven Beck (sub Matt Bradfield 74 mins), Andy Milne (sub Luke Appleton 85 mins), James Rice, Danny Self, Lee Barrett, Mark Appleton.

GOALS: 15 seconds Lee Barrett; 12 mins Mark Appleton; 29 mins Lee Barrett; 36 mins Poringland; 52 mins Poringland; 90 mins Mark Appleton.

Players Booked - Danny Self (Hethersett) and two Poringland

Venue: Easton College: Conditions: Clear and bright. Referee J. Chapman (mark awarded 9 out of 10).

Hethersett scored what could be the fastest goal in the club's history, then built up a commanding 3-0 lead before allowing Poringland back into the game.

Hethersett were once again forced to shuffle their pack with a number of players unavailable or injured. Scott Woodcock and Ross Potter were unavailable and Sam Wenham and Matt Barrett were both out with injuries. Mark Appleton, Danny Self and Matt Steward returned to the team and Andrew Milne stepped up from the reserves for his first game of the season. Luke Appleton returned among the substitutes.

Hethersett opened the scoring within 15 seconds of the start before a Poringland player had touched the ball when Lee Barrett tapped home after Mark Appleton had sent in a measured pass.

Eleven minutes later Hethersett went 2-0 up with a goal from Mark Appleton and after 29 minutes Hethersett looked to have built up an unassailable lead when Barrett scored his second. But for the second week running they almost allowed a three goal cushion to slip as Poringland pulled goals back either side of half-time.

Poringland had a goal disallowed for offside and a shot cleared off the line by Luke Appleton before Mark Appleton broke away in injury time to make sure of all three points.

Hethersett dominated the first half, but the visitors were much the better side after the break and could have snatched a point.

Key Moments:

15 seconds: Hethersett scored straight from the kick off. Curtis sent Mark Appleton racing away down the right and his inch perfect pass was tucked home by Lee Barrett.

12 mins: Lee Barrett returned the compliment when he slipped the ball through for Mark Appleton to run onto to fire home the second.

27 min: Hethersett were knocking some good centres into the box and from one of these Martin Carver volleyed over.

29 mins: A long throw from Matt Steward found Lee Barrett who turned and sent in a shot which was only parried by the Poringland 'keeper and Barrett was first to react to smash home the rebound.

36 mins: The Hethersett defence failed to close down a Poringland attacker who had time to place a low shot just inside the far post.

40 mins: John Curtis whipped a superb centre across the goal which alluded defenders and attackers alike.

46 mins: Lee Barrett sent a crossfield pass to Curtis who saw his drive tipped round a post.

52 mins: Again Hethersett failed to stay close enough to Poringland attackers and a visitor headed against the bar before a teammate nodded the rebound into an empty goal to make the scoreline 3-2.

55 mins: Curtis and Mark Appleton combined to set up Steven Beck but he shot over the bar.

65 mins: Poringland thought they had equalised but the effort was disallowed for offside.

74 mins: Matt Bradfield came on for a tiring Steven Beck

80 mins: Danny Self was booked for the latest of a series of fouls.

85 mins: Andy Milne is replaced by Luke Appleton as Hethersett desperately try to hold on to the points against some heavy Poringland pressure.

89 mins: It looks a goal all the way for Poringland until Luke Appleton nips in to somehow sccop the ball over the bar.

90 mins: Hethersett finally make the points safe with one of their few chances of the half as Mark Appleton outstrips the visiting defence to beat the 'keeper.

League Cup First Round Hethersett Athletic (2) 6 Aylsham Sunday (0) 2

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Martyn Carver, Matt Steward, John Curtis, Luke Appleton, Matt Barrett, James Rice, Danny Self, Lee Barrett, Mark Appleton, Sam Wenham.

GOALS: 27 min Mark Appleton; 40 min James Rice; 48 min Aylsham; 58 min Danny Self; 62 min John Curtis; 71 min John Curtis; 79 min Aylsham; 84 min Mark Appleton

Players Booked - two Aylsham

Venue: Easton College: Conditions: Heavy wind giving way to bright conditions. Pitch very soft. Referee Brian Jeffries (mark awarded 8 out of 10).

Hethersett kept their hopes of a treble alive with a comfortable win against the only team to take a point off them at home this season.

Athletic dominated this game and scored six goals, had two others disallowed and missed numerous chances that could have seen them comfortably into double figures. On the way they played some delightful football. The only slight disappointment was conceding two simple goals. But that shouldn't detract from a display full of enthusiasm and skill.

Hethersett built up a comfortable 2-0 first half lead before allowing Aylsham to score early into the second half. From there the home team took control of the game and looked likely to score with virtually every attack with the speed play of John Curtis, Mark Appleton and Sam Wenham just too much for the visitors. Martyn Carver had an outstanding game in defence, but it was up front where Athletic looked sharp.

Key Moments:

1 min: Matt Steward headed on a corner and there was a goalmouth scramble before the ball was cleared.

5 mins: Chris Bolderstone saved well as an Aylsham forward darted through.

7 mins: A long ball from Matt Barrett saw Mark Appleton outstrip the defence, but his centre went across the goal with nobody able to get onto the end of it.

8 mins: A free kick found John Curtis and his shot was somhow scooped over the bar by the keeper.

12 mins: An Aylsham forward was booked for dissent

22 mins: Danny Self went on a run down the left and beat two players before slipping the ball through to Mark Appleton who fired over under pressure.

26 mins A long ball from Lee Barrett found Mark Appleton but he fired over.

27 mins: The ball cannoned off two defenders and ran kindly for Mark Appleton who this time opened the scoring with a low shot that went in off the post.

29 mins: Danny Self set up Mark Appleton but he shot wide.

38 mins: Aylsham threatened when a through ball saw an attacker in the clear but Chris Bolderstone saved well with his feet.

40 mins: James Rice burst through on his own. His first shot was blocked but the ball was worked back to him and this time he fired home.

41 mins: Lee Barrett was put through but fired over.

44 mins: Martyn Carver was in tremendous form to block Aylsham shots three times in a row. Hethersett were forced to defend as the half came to an end.

45 mins: Deam Fitzgerald came on as substitute at the start of the second half for the injured Lee Barrett.

47 mins: Mark Appleton broke free again but his shot was saved by the 'keeper.

48 mins: Aylsham got back into the game with a breakaway goal to make it 2-1.

58 mins: Sam Wenham and Mark Appleton worked an opening. A defender cleared high into the air and Danny Self crashed a sweet volley into the net

62 mins John Curtis charged down a back pass and had a simple job of running the loose ball into the net to make it 4-1.

64 mins: Hethersett were playing some excellent football and the keeper conceded another corner which Matt Steward headed narrowly wide.

65 mins: Steven Beck came on for Matt Barrett

69 mins: Another poor back pass was intercepted by John Curtis but this time he shot wide.

71 mins: Another break by the speedy Hethersett forwards saw Curtis outstrip the defence before moving wide and bending a shot inside the post to make it 5-1.

74 mins: Ross Potter came on for the injured Luke Appleton.

79 mins: Poor defending by Hethersett let in Aylsham to make it 5-2.

82 mins: A massive scramble in the Aylsham area saw Matt Steward force the ball home but the referee disallowed the effort. The Aylsham 'keeper was booked for grabbing a Hethersett player.

84 mins: Danny Self burst through and tried to lob the 'keeper sho could only parry the ball for Mark Appleton to volley home.

87 mins: Dean Fitzgerald had the ball in the net but the effort was disallowed for offside.

LEAGUE Match eight: Hethersett Athletic (1) 1 Norman Wanderers (0) 0

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Martyn Carver, Matt Steward, John Curtis (sub Steven Beck 76 mins), Matt Barrett, James Rice, Danny Self, Mark Appleton, Sam Wenham, M. Cartledge, S. Woodcock

GOALS: 2 min Mark Appleton

Players Sent off - one Norman - Players booked - three Norman

Venue: Easton College: Conditions: Bright but cold. Pitch hard after overnight frost but improved as game progressed. Referee P. Cater (mark awarded 8 out of 10).

Hethersett deservedly took three points from a game in which they were subjected to some very unsavoury tactics from an opposition more interested in inflicting pain on them than playing football.

Hethersett started very brightly and opened the scoring after just two minutes when Mark Appleton latched onto a through ball and crashed home an unstoppable shot from an acute angle.

Shortly afterwards Scott Woodcock hit the underside of the bar with a header and it looked as if Hethersett would score a hatful once again as the visitors were penned inside their own half.

But Norman fought back towards the end of the half and Hethersett's defence had to be resolute to keep them at bay. After the break Norman seemed more intent on injuring the Hethersett players in their attempts to get back into the match. They committed more and more fouls which resulted in the referee finally losing patience with them and booking three players before sending one off for his second disgraceful tackle.

To their credit the Hethersett players kept out of trouble and defended well and looked capable of increasing their lead.

KEY MOMENTS

2 mins: Matt Steward sent a pin point long ball over the defence to Mark Appleton who ran wide before firing home an unstoppable shot from an acute angle.

8 mins: James Rice released Matt Appleton and his centre was headed against the bar by Scott Woodcock.

10 min: Another long ball sent Woodcock free but he pushed it too far and the 'keeper was able to save. At this point Norman were posing no threat whatsoever.

16 min: Woodcock again burst through and this time the 'keeper saved with his legs.

19 min: Norman began to pose a threat at last with a series of corners which Hethersett defended well.

31 min: A Norman forward headed goalwards from another corner only to see Chris Bolderstone fall on the ball virtually on the line.

39 mins: Woodcock again fashioned an opening but the keeper saved well

43 mins: Woodcock saw another shot saved by the 'keeper and turned the rebound across goal

45 mins A superb movement saw Matt Barrett set up Woodcock again but this time he shot over the bar.

50 min: Matt Barrett shot wide following a corner.

57 min Mark Appleton got round the back and flashed the ball across goal but there was nobody on the end ofit

By this point the match was getting very physical with several Hethersett players having to receive long periods of treatment due to over the top and at times violent challenges from Norman that had nothing to do with football.

63 min Woodcock burst through again but fired wide with five defenders in close attendance.

65 min: Norman threatened and Chris Bolderstone had to be alert to race off his line and clear

67 min: Norman went their closest yet when a player turned and fired inches wide with the shot taking a deflection.

68 min: Matt Barrett was perfectly placed to head off the line after a corner.

69 min: A high swirling ball into the Hethersett box bounced and went over the bar.

72 min: Norman had a plaer booked for a nasty tackle.

74 min: Norman fired over with two Hethersett defenders struggling to make ground.

76 min: Steven Beck comes on as substitute for John Curtis who has sustained a leg injury. Martin Carver has two separate lengthy treatements for injuries as the game threatens to turn nasty.

78 min: Norman have two players booked in a minute for more dangerous tackles.

80 min: A Norman player is sent off for a second wreckless tackle as the game threatens to get out of hand.

85 min: With Norman down to 10 men Hethersett look to have weathered the storm and Mark Appleton goes close after bursting free,

90 min: After playing eight minutes of injury time, the referee thankfully brings the game to a close before a Hethersett player suffers serious injury.

Above is the first team photographed ahead of their County Cup quarter-final against Delaneys. The photograph was taken at a post Christmas training session.

County Cup Quarter-Final: Hethersett Athletic (0) 0 Delaneys (0) 1

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Martyn Carver, Matt Steward, John Curtis , Matt Barrett, Danny Self, Mark Appleton (sub Dean Fitzgerald), Sam Wenham, Matt Cartledge, Scott Woodcock, Paul Franklin. Subs (not used) - Ross Potter, James Roce.

GOALS: 65 min Delaneys

Players booked: Danny Self and two Delaneys.

Venue: Hethersett Memorial Playing Field: Conditions: Bright but cold. Pitch: Very soft. Referee Mr Shipley 65 out of 100.

Hethersett Athletic with their new kit sponsored by Hethersett Park Farm Hotel and Hethersett Queen's Head. Back (left to right) - Scott Woodcock, Matt Cartledge, Martyn Carver, Matt Steward, Chris Bolderstone, Ross Potter, Paul Franklin, Danny Self. Front - Steven Beck, John Curtis, Mark Appleton, Matt Barrett, Dean Fitzgerald, James Rice, Sam Wenham.

Hethersett's dreams of a county cup final at Carrow Road are over for another season as they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by a well organised Delaneys side.

Hethersett have only failed to score twice this season - both times against Delaneys.

The home side were forced to switch the match from Easton College to Hethersett memorial Playing Field due to the college "resting" their pitches. The soft pitch with long grass made good football difficult but the two teams managed to produce a good competitive and open game.

Hethersett had enough chances in the first half to have wrapped the game up but failed to make the most of them. The closest they came to scoring was when Paul Franklin saw a header smack against the underside of the bar before being cleared.

With the wind advantage after the break, Delaneys came back into the match and Hethersett were restricted to a small number of chances and the only goal of the game came after 65 minutes when two visiting forwards broke away. Chris Bolderstone saved an initial shot well but the ball ran kindly for a Delaney's forward to tap into the net.

KEY MOMENTS

2 mins: Scott Woodcock sent Mark Appleton racing through but his shot was smothered by the 'keeper.

4 mins: Appleton raced through again but this time fired over the bar.

7 mins: Delaneys mounted their first serious attack and a forward lobbed the ball goalwards. Chris Bolderstone somehow managed to scramble it away.

9 mins: Delaneys had a free kick and shot narrowly wide

10 mins Woodcock saw a shot turned round for a corner and from the flag kick, Franklin saw his header canon against the bar before being scrambled clear.

12 mins: Hethersett forced a series of corners but nothing came of them.

17 mins: Danny Self tried to lob the keeper from distance, but it was comfortably saved.

17 mins: Delaneys went straight down the other end and shot narrowly wide.

20 mins: A long ball dropped for Woodcock who volleyed over

27 mins: Appleton again used his pace to outstrip the Delaneys' defence but his shot flashed across goal.

32 mins: Delaneys were coming back into the game and went close on two occasions

36 mins: Self sent a centre to the back post but nobody was able to get onto the end of it.

37 mins: Hethersett produced the best move of the match so far when four players combined to set up John Curtis but again his shot was saved by the 'keeper.

40 min Sam Wenham got round the back of the defence and his centre was only half cleared and Franklin shot side.

42 mins: Delaneys had a player booked for a foul on Self.

43 mins: The Delaneys 'keeper was in action again to turn an Appleton shot over the bar and from the corner Woodcock shot wide.

45 mins A Delaneys centre fizzed across the area and Matt Barrett had difficulty clearing as t eh half came to an end.

49 mins: Self was booked for a foul. Delaneys began to get on top and carved out a number of chances, but shot wide.

58 mins: Delaneys saw a long range shot hit the side netting.

60 mins: Hethersett were caught napping as Delaneys tried a snap shot that went inches wide.

65 mins: Woodcock was hauled down 30 yards from goal as a second Delaneys player found his way into the referee's book.

65 mins: Following the free-kick, Delaneys broke quickly and two players found themselves in the clear. Chris Bolderstone saved well from the initial shot but a second Delaneys player followed up to score what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

68 mins: Dean Fitzgerald comes on as a substitute for Mark Appleton.

73 mins: A long clearance from the Delaneys goalkeeper goes the length of the pitch but a forward can only shoot across the goal.

77 mins: Curtis goes on a long run which ends with his shot being turned round the post by the 'keeper.

84 mins: Chris Bolderstone had to be alert to turn a Delaneys header round the post and from the resulting corner they volleyed over.

88 mins: Delaneys finished the stronger team and shot wide and then saw another effort go across the goal, before they comfortably played out time.

League Match No 10 Aylsham (1) 1 Hethersett Athletic (0) 2

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Martyn Carver (sub Danny Bradfield 71 mins), Matt Steward, Ross Potter, John Curtis , James Rice, Mark Appleton, Dean Fitzgerald, Sam Wenham, Matt Cartledge, Steven Beck (sub Chris Arnold 15 min).

GOALS: 32 mins Acle; 56 mins Sam Wenham; 61 mins Mark Appleton

Players booked: Matt Cartledge, John Curtis and one Aylsham player.

Venue: Aylsham Playing Field: Conditions: Bright but cold. Pitch: Very soft. Referee Mr Shaw 6 out of 10.

Hethersett climbed to the top of the Premier Division after grinding out a win at Aylsham.

The two teams above them - Marlborough and Norman Wanderers - both lost and so the importance of this win cannot be under-estimated.

Hethersett pressed hard in the first half and had a number of chances but missed them all and paid the penalty when Aylsham scored after 32 minutes.

After the break Hethersett upped their game going up the slope and Sam Wenham scored his first goal for the club after 56 minutes before Mark Appleton headed home what turned out to be the winner five minutes later.

Hethersett had to fend off some strong Aylsham pressure towards the end of the game with Chris Bolderstone making some good saves and James Rice clearing off the line.

KEY MOMENTS

1 min: Aylsham mounted an early attack by pilling through the middle of the field but their final shot went wide.

4 mins: Matt Steward fired well over after a centre from Sam Wenham

7 mins: Steve Beck tried his luck with a long distance lob which was fielded comfortably by the 'keeper.

9 mins: Aylsham were given too much space and managed to get in a shot that was comfortably saved by Chris Bolderstone.

11 mins: Steve Beck was hauled over in midfield but the ball ran kindly to Mark Appleton who found himself one on one with the 'keeper but he shot wide

15 mins: Mark Appleton moved across the pitch before letting fly with a shot the 'keeper turned round the post.

15 mins: Steve Beck was unable to continue and was replaced by Chris Arnold.

18 mins: Hethersett put together a good five man move but it came to nothing as the final shot was delayed.

19 mins: Man of the match Sam Wenham went on a tremendous run which saw him beat three players only to see the goalkeeper turn his shot round, although the referee awarded a goal kick.

21 mins: John Curtis saw his corner kick bounce on top of the bar.

31 mins: Matt Steward played a one-two with a teammate but his shot was comfortably saved by the 'keeper.

32 mins: Aylsham opened the scoring. Chris Bolderstone had to rush out of his goal to clear, but was beaten to the ball by an Aylsham player. The ball broke loose and a home player was able to run it into the net. Hethersett claimed that Bolderstone had been fouled but the referee allowed the effort to stand.

44 mins: Mark Appleton blasted a shot well over the bar.

45 mins: Matt Cartledge was booked for a foul and an Aylsham player also went into the referee's notebook.

47 mins: Ross Potter and Matt Steward headed on a corner and Chris Arnold's header was blocked on the line.

49 min: Chris Bolderstone saved comfortably from a speculative shot.

56 mins: Hethersett equalised. John Curtis got round the back of the Aylsham defence and centred. The ball was worked to Sam Wenham in space and he fired home from an oblique angle for his first goal for the club.

58 mins: Wenham got round the back again and centred for Mark Appleton to head wide.

61 mins: Wenham again got round the back and picked out Mark Appleton with a pin-point cross. The Aylsham 'keeper tried desperately to claw Appleton's header, but it was obvious the ball had crossed the line and Hethersett had the lead.

63 mins: Curtis was hauled over on the edge of the box and Hethersett had strong shouts for a penalty when an Aylsham player appeared to block Curtis' free kick with his arms.

65 mins: Chris Arnold shot wide from an Appleton corner.

71 mins: Martyn Carber had to leave the field with a gashed eyebrow to be replaced by Danny Bradfield who was playing his first senior appearance.

78 mins: Aylsham began to hit back and shot wide

87 mins: Aylsham almost equalised, but an i9nitial shot was well saved by Bolderstone and Rice was on hand to clear off the line

87 mins: Curtis was booked for a foul.

88 mins: Hethersett continued to live dangerously as a long shot from Aylsham went through everyone's legs but harmlessly wide.

League Cup Second Round The Grove (2) 3 3 Hethersett Athletic (0) 3 4

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Matt Cartledge, Matt Steward, Chris Arnold, James Rice, Sam Wenham, Mark Appleton, Danny Self, John Curtis, Steven Beck (sub Ross Potter 106 mins), Scott Woodcock. Sub (not used) - Chris Colwell

GOALS: 14 mins The Grove; 42 mins The Grove; 65 mins Mark Appleton; 74 mins Chris Arnold; 75 mins Scott Woodcock (pen); 85 mins The Grove; 100 mins Danny Self

Players booked: Chris Bolderstone and two Grove players.

Venue: The Old Gurney School. Bright but cold with swirling wind. Pitch: Very soft and bumpy. Referee Mr Shipley 6 out of 10.

Athletic once again mounted a stirring comeback to reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup at the expense of their Division One opponents.

Two goals down at half-time, Hethersett clawed their way back into the game in the second half with Mark Appleton pulling one back after 65 minutes before two goals in as many minutes gave the visitors a 3-2 lead. The first came from a powerful header from a corner by man of the match Chris Arnold and the second a Scott Woodcock penalty after Danny Self had been brought down.

Just when Hethersett looked to have the game won, they relaxed and Grove scored from a breakaway to take the game into extra-time.

Hethersett mastered the difficult conditions better than their opponents in extra time and Danny Self scored the winner after 100 minutes with a fine curling free-kick into the top corner.

KEY MOMENTS:

5 mins: The Grove started at a fast pace and a centre flashed across the Hethersett area with a player shooting wide.

7 mins: Chris Arnold headed on a Matt Steward long throw but nobody could get on the end of it.

11 mins: The Grove won a free-kick on the edge of the area but it was charged down for a corner.

12 mins: The Grove should have opened the scoring when a player at the back post shot against Chris Bolderstone's legs when it seemed easier to score. Hethersett failed to clear and a centre saw a back post header just miss the mark.

14 mins: The Grove scored a wonder goal with a 35 yard looping drive into the top corner.

21 mins: After a spell of Hethersett pressure came to nothing, Grove missed a chance when Boldesrtone saved well at the feet of an incoming forward.

31 mins: Scott Woodcock shot well over the bar as Hethersett tried desperately to come to terms with a strong swirling wind.

38 mins: Hethersett won corners and free kicks but they came to nothing.

41 mins: Again there was nobody to make the most of a Chris Arnold head on from a Steward long throw.

42 mins: Grove won a free-kick. The initial shot was saved by Bolderstone but broke to a Grove forward who made it 2-0.

45 mins: Grove finished the half strongly with a number of corners but couldn't increase their lead.

48 mins: Hethersett sprung the offside trap with Mark Appleton hitting a rasping drive that the Grove keeper turned over the bar.

53 mins: Woodcock shot narrowly wide as Hethersett came back into the match.

58 mins: Bolderstone was booked for swearing at the referee after a free-kick appeal was turned down.

65 mins: Hethersett pulled a goal back with a fine effort from Mark Appleton. He worked his way across the pitch before driving forward and sending in an unstoppable shot.

65 mins: Hethersett were almost caught napping when the Grove shot straight from the kick off. The ball caught in the wind and only just cleared the bar with Chris Bolderstone stranded.

66 mins: Sam Wenham's shot from a narrow angle went into the side netting.

73 mins: Another strong Woodcock drive was turned over the bar, but from the resulting corner Chris Arnold rose above the defence to head the equaliser.

75 mins: Hethersett took the lead for the first time when Danny Self was brought down in the penalty area and Scott Woodcock coolly sent the 'keeper the wrong way with the resulting spot kick.

85 mins: A Grove player was booked for a foul on Self.

85 mins: Just when it looked as if Hethersett were holding on comfortably, the defence was caught napping and a Grove forward burst through to shoot home to take the tie into extra time.

94 mins: A Hethersett corner was worked out to Mark Appleton whose shot was charged down for another corner. From this man of the match Arnold again flicked on but to no avail.

100 mins: The referee appeared to award a penalty as Woodock was chopped down. Hethersett put the ball into the net but the referee had already blown and, after consulting with his linesman, changed his decision to a free kick on the edge of the box. The Grove player was booked. Danny Self curled the resultant kick round the wall and into the top corner for what turned out to be the winning goal

105 mins: Self shot narrowly wide.

106 mins: Ross Potter came on for Steven Beck who was exhausted. The Grove hammered a free kick well over the bar.

108 mins: Grove mounted one final attack and Bolderstone had to be alert to clutch a rasping drive to his body.

League Match 11 Hethersett Athletic (1) 2 Prince of Denmark (0) 0

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Matt Cartledge, Andrew Milne, Chris Arnold, Martyn Carver. James Rice, Mark Appleton, Danny Self, John Curtis, Steven Beck (sub Matt Bradfield 83 mins), Ross Potter. Sub (not used) - Luke Appleton.

GOALS: 29 mins Mark Appleton; 86 mins, James Rice.

Players booked: One Prince of Denmark.

Venue: Easton College. Cold and very misty with hard pitch to start with, softening as the game progressed. Referee C. Blyth 8 out of 10.

Hethersett gained their just desserts thanks to "Apple" and Rice!

Athletic kept their title hopes alive with a hard-earned victory over a decent Prince of Denmark team who belied their lowly league position.

Hethersett were forced to ring the changes with Matt Steward, Scott Woodcock and Sam Wenham all ruled out through injury and Dean Fitzgerald still suspended. In came Andy Milne and Martyn Carver returned after injury.

It was a game that Hethersett should have won by a larger margin, but a mixture of good defending by the visitors and poor finishing restricted the home side to a goal in each half from Mark Appleton and James Rice respectively.

Prince of Denmark rarely looked like scoring and Ross Potter did a fine man to man marking job on their danger man Chris Holmes.

KEY MOMENTS:

1 min: Hethersett mounted an early attack and a couple of shots ended with a corner which former Hethersett 'keeper Michael Larking punched clear.

3 min: Danny Self floated a free kick into the area and Chris Arnold headed wide.

4 min: Steven Beck got in a shot that was comfortably saved. The visitors broke away to win a corner which Chris Bolderstone punched clear.

12 min: Bolderstone had to be alert to rush off his line to clear.

15 min: John Curtis sent Mark Appleton away but his shot from an acute angle went well over.

20 min: A Prince of Denmark player was booked for a late tackle.

20 min: A visiting forward got round the back of the Hethersett defence and Bolderstone was forced to concede a corner, which he punched clear.

26 min: Curtis tried his luck from long range but the shot had little power in it.

29 min Curtis send Mark Appleton through with a fine pass and the top scorer beat Larkin to the ball to slot home for the opening goal.

30 min: Chris Holmes shot from distance but the ball went harmlessly wide.

32 min Mark Appleton sent in a shot on the turn that went narrowly side.

35 min: Appleton got round the back but couldn't pull the ball back into the path of the in-rushing Curtis.

36 min Danny Self burst through on his own and tried a delicate chip shot which dropped just wide.

38 min: Steven Beck shot over the top after a good four man move.

40 min: Appleton got round the back again and shot wide with Beck making good ground a screaming for the ball to be sut back.

41 min: The defence failed to pick up Appleton, but once again he fired wide.

43 min: Prince of Denmark ended the half strongly and shot narrowly wide.

48 min: Mark Appleton outstripped the defence agin but couldn't control the ball and shot wide.

52 min: A snap shot from Curtis also went narrowly wide.

55 min: Prince of Denmark had a good spell and a shot took a wicked deflection. From the resulting corner Bolderstone was forced to punch clear.

56 min: Curtis beat the offiside trap but his shot was parried by Larkin.

60 min: Appleton burst through yet again but fired straight at the 'keeper.

63 min: Holmes broke through but fired straight at Bolderstone.

65 min: Denmark continued on the attack and a drive was well saved by Bolderstone.

68 min: Hethersett won a corner and Curtis' kick hit the outside of the post.

75 min: Larkin saved well from Appleton and then Self burst through only to be thwarted at the expense of a corner.

83 min: Matt Bradfield came on for Steven Beck to make his 200 appearance for the club.

85 min: Curtis' shot was deflected for a corner. From the kick the ball bobbled around in the area and eventually dropped for James Rice to wrap up the points with a drive into the bottom corner of the net.

90 min: With the game won, Potter strode forward but put a good chance well over the bar.

League Cup Quarter Final Hethersett Athletic (0) 0 0 Marlborough (0) 0 1

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Matt Cartledge, Andrew Milne (sub Matt Barrett 52 mins), Chris Arnold, Martyn Carver. James Rice, Mark Appleton, Danny Self, John Curtis, Ross Potter (sub. Mark Moseley 45 min), Matt Steward (sub Nick Appleton 87 mins),

GOALS: 98 mins Marlborough.

Players booked: Three Marlborough and Ross Potter.

Venue: Easton College. Dull, fairly cold day with very soft pitch. Referee I Conway 8 out of 10.

Hethersett bowed out of the League Cup as they went down to a goal in extra time.

Both teams had plenty of chances to win the match, but defences dominated and it always looked as if one goal would win it.

Hethersett were weakened by injuries, illness and unavailability and signed on Nick Appleton and Mark Moseley on the day.

The defeat means that the team now only have the league to play for and must win the majority of their remaining nine games if they are to take the title for the first time and not end the season empty handed.

KEY MOMENTS:

1 min: Chris Bolderstone had to be alert early on to save as Marlborough threatened.

2 min: John Curtis burst through but the keeper made a good save and from the resulting corner Curtis saw his header saved.

7 min: Boldesrtone again had to be alert to thwart a Marlborough break

20 min: A Marlborough long shot was comfortably saved.

21 min Mark Appleton shot across the area but the effort eluded three incoming Hethersett players

25 min: Marlborough burst through and Bolderstone saved well with his feet.

30 min: Bolderstone made another good save

35 min: Marlborough had a very strong penalty appeal turned down as a player went sprawling in the area.

40 min Marlborough floated in a free-kick which was headed over the bar. Ross Potter was booked for the foul.

45 min Potter who was feeling unwell came off to be replaced by Mark Moseley playing his first game of the season.

52 min Matt Barrett came on for Andy Milne

54 min Marlborough got round the back of the Hethersett defence and a low centre was turned just wide.

65 min Matt Steward was penalised on the edge of the area and Bolderstone made a good save to turn the free kick round a post.

68 min Matt Barrett sent in a speculative long shot that was comfortably saved.

70 min Mark Appleton beat two players but his shot-come centre hit the outside of the post and dropped harmlessly for a goal kick.

71 min: Marlborough had a player booked for dissent.

76 min: Danny Self had a clear run on goal but the keeper saved.

77 min: Marlborough curled a free-kick over the wall but Bolderstone saved comfortably.

79 min Chris Arnold worked his way through only to shoot wide.

81 min: Indecision in the Hethersett defence allowed a Marlborough player too much space but again Bolderstone saved well at the expense of a corner.

84 min: Mark Appleton got round the back and his goalbound shot was cleared off the line.

87 min: Marlborough headed a corner narrowly wide.

88 min: Marlbrough had another player booked. Nick Appleton came on for the injured Matt Steward. Full-time score 0-0.

94 min: Marlborough were about to shoot when Matt Cartledge popped up to block the shot

98 min: Marlborough attacked with numbers going forward. The ball was headed on and an attacker found himself in the clear. Bolderstone narrowed the angle and Hethersett defenders tried desperately yo get back on the line only for the Marlborough player to coolly slot home what turned out to be the winning goal.

99 min: Marlborough went through again but this time fired over the bar.

108 min Bolderstone did well to beat a forward to a through ball as Marlborough finished the match in control.

League Match Hethersett Athletic (1) 3 Coltishall (1) 1

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Matt Cartledge, Matt Barrett, Chris Arnold, Mark Appleton, Danny Self, John Curtis, Ross Potter, Scott Woodcock (sub James Rice 75 mins), Dean Fitzgerald, Chris Steele (sub Steven Beck 86 mins).

GOALS: 34 mins Scott Woodcock; 36 mins Coltishall; 52 mins Mark Appleton; 75 mins John Curtis.

Players booked: Two Coltishall, John Curtis and Matt Cartledge.

Venue: Easton College. Dull, fairly cold day with very soft pitch. Referee V Petri 6 out of 10.

Hethersett continued their title challenge but had to grind out a positive result against a game Coltishall side.

The home team had 'keeper Chris Bolderstone to thank for some excellent saves as the defence fell apart on a number of occasions.

After a goalless first 30 minutes, the teams scored within two minutes of each other. Scott Woodcock gave Hethersett the lead when he fired home after being set up by John Curtis. Two minutes later Coltishall were on level terms when the Hethersett defence failed to close down and an attacker scored with a 25 yard drive.

Hethersett took the lead again after 52 minutes with a wonder goal from Mark Appleton which saw him race through from the halfway line to score with a rising shot.

The points were never safe until Curtis headed home a Mark Appleton centre after 75 minutes.

KEY MOMENTS:

2 mins: Hethersett started strongly and Danny Self missed a good chance to open the scoring.

5 mins: A long ball from Ross Potter found Mark Appleton but he shot wide.

15 mins: Chris Steels, making his Hethersett debut, set up Appleton but he side-footed wide.

24 mins John Curtis played the ball through to Scott Woodcock who turned a defender but shot straight at the 'keeper.

32 mins: Curtis had a shot cleared off the line

34 mins: Curtis and Woodcock combined with the former flicking the ball back into the latter's path and he scored with a low shot into the corner.

35 mins: Woodcock and Curtis both had chances to increase the lead.

36 mins: Coltishall equalised. The Hethersett defence failed to clear and the loose ball fell to a Cotishall attacker who smashed in a shot from 25 yards.

39 mins: Coltishall went very close to taking the lead as the Hethersett defence sat back again and an attacker shot narrowly wide.

43 mins: Bolderstone rushed out of his goal but sliced a clearance. A Coltishall player tried to lob the ball back and it dropped narrowly wide.

45 mins: Curtis was booked for disputing a decision.

46 mins: Potter headed a Self corner over the bar

50 mins: Cotishall had the ball in the next but the effort was disallowed for offside.

52 mins: Mark Appleton scored a fine individual goal. He took the ball in his own half and drove forward with a number of Coltishall players desperately trying to catch him. He drove wide across the penalty box before hitting an unstoppable shot into the top corner for one of the goals of the season.

55 mins: Appleton was put through again but this time shot tamely at the 'keeper.

56 mins: Curtis blasted a shot over the bar after a fine three man Hethersett move.

60 mins: Curtis appeared to be fouled in midfield but the referee waved play on and a Coltishall forward broke clear and slid the ball wide of Bolderstone. Potter was alert to hack the ball clear off the line.

63 mins: Matt Cartledge was booked for a foul

68 mins: Coltishall broke through again and Bolderstone made a good stop with his legs.

75 mins: Hethersett made it 3-1 when Appleton centred and Curtis scored with a bullet header into the top of the net. The referee waved away protests from Coltishall that Curtis had handled the ball into the net.

75 mins: James Rice replaced the injured Scott Woodcock.

80 mins: Bolderstone again saved with his feet as a Cotishall player burst free.

86 mins: Boldesrtone made another fine save to get back to claw the ball back from the line after a Coltishall header.

86 mins: Chris Steele won the ball with a strong tackle in midfield and Mark Appleton hit the loose ball wide.

87 mins: Steele was replaced by Steven Beck.

89 mins: Curtis burst through four Coltishall players but hit his shot straight at the 'keeper.

League Match Norman Wanderers (2) 5 Hethersett Athletic (0) 1

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Matt Cartledge, Matt Barrett, Matt Steward, Martyn Carver, Mark Appleton, Danny Self, John Curtis, Dean Fitzgerald (sub James Rice 69 minutes), Chris Steele (sub Scott Woodcock 63 mins), Lee Barrett. Sub (not used) - Steven Beck.

GOALS: 35 mins Norman Wanderers; 42 mins Norman Wanderers; 75 mins Norman Wanderers (penalty); 79 mins; Norman Wanderers; 83 mins: Danny Self; 85 mins; Norman Wanderers.

Players booked: Two Coltishall, Steven Beck and Danny Self

Venue: Sloughbottom Park. Sunny and mild but with strong cross wind. Hard pitch. Referee K. Betts 6 out of 10.

Hethersett's title hopes took a blow as they caved in against Norman Wanderers despite having most of the play.

Terrible finishing and equally terrible defending gifted the points to Norman and left Hethersett with an uphill struggle if they are to get back on track and keep their title hopes alive.

KEY MOMENTS:

8 mins: Norman put in a long shot after some poor defending by Hethersett, but Chris Bolderstone saved comfortably.

9 mins: Bolderstone had to be alert to smother the ball as Norman threatened.

12 mins: Lee Barrett sent the ball through to Mark Appleton but he was forced wide as the hard pitch and strong breeze made conditions difficult.

18 mins: Bolderstone saved well after the Hethersett defence failed to clear.

22 mins: Hethersett missed a golden chance to take the lead. John Curtis beat the offside trap and headed for goal. His shot looked to be going in until a Hethersett player changed the direction of the ball and it dropped harmlessly wide.

24 mins: A Danny Self centre was punched clear by the Norman 'keeper as Matt Steward moved in for the kill.

27 mins: Chris Steele got round the back but his centre was too strong.

33 mins: Lee Barrett missed a golden chance when he broke through, rounded the @keeper and somehow delayed his shot and found himself forced wide and all he could do was shoot into the side-netting.

35 mins: Norman took the lead against the run of play when the Hethersett defence failed to clear and a forward lobbed the ball over the stranded Bolderstone.

37 mins: Hethersett were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area and Danny Self's kick went just wide.

38 mins: Norman had the ball in the net again but the effort was ruled out for handball.

39 mins: Mark Appleton set-up Curtis but the 'keeper blocked his effort.

42 mins: Norman were awarded a free kick 25 yards out and their player smashed the ball home past a static defence.

56 mins: Curtis was put through but did little more than side-foot a shot at the 'keeper.

57 mins: Norman had a player booked

59 mins: Hethersett had appeals for what looked like a cast iron penalty turned down by an increasingly erratic referee who awarded a corner which Self headed over. Substitute Steven Beck was booked for remarks made to the referee from the sidelines.

63 mins: Scott Woodcock came on for Chris Steele

69 mins: James Rice replaced Dean Fitzgerald

75 mins: Norman broke through and Chris Bolderstone pulled a player over and they scored from the resultant penalty

79 mins: Chris Bolderstone and Matt Barrett got in a mix-up and Barrett headed into his own net to make it 4-0 as Hethersett's day continued to get worse. Danny Self was booked for dissent.

81 mins: Scott Woodcock put a shot over the bar.

83 mins: Hethersett were awarded a free-kick which Danny Self fired home.

85 mins: Norman split the Hethersett defence again and a forward outstripped the defence to fire home number five.

90 mins: Hethersett were awarded a penalty for a handball that only the referee saw. Scott Woodcock's kick was comfortably saved and the miss summed up Hethersett's morning.

League Match Hethersett 0 Delaneys 0 Abandoned after eight minutes

TEAM: A. Maxim, Matt Barrett, Matt Steward, Martyn Carver, Danny Self, John Curtis, Dean Fitzgerald, Chris Steele, Scott Woodcock, Lee Barrett, Ross Potter. Subs - Matt Cartledge, Mark Moseley, Mark Appleton

Venue: Easton College. Extremely windy. Referee N. Raven 9 out of 10

After allowing the game to go ahead, the Referee called both teams together and abandoned the game with the consent of both sides who didn't wish for such an important league game to be dominated by conditions that made football impossible.

League Match Marlborough (1) 2 Hethersett Athletic (1) 3

TEAM: Andrew Maxim; Matt Cartledge, Ross Potter, Matt Steward, Martyn Carver, Mark Appleton (sub Matt Barrett 85 min), Danny Self, John Curtis, Dean Fitzgerald, Lee Barrett (sub Scott Woodcock 87 min), Sam Wenham (sub James Rice 71 minutes)

GOALS: 26 min, Lee Barrett; 42 min, Marlborough; 62 mins, Danny Self (penalty); 80 mins, Marlborough; 88 mins Danny Self.

Players sent off: Ross Potter

Venue: Eaton Park Weather - Sunny and mild but with strong breeze. Hard pitch. Referee Beevor 6 out of 10.

Hethersett got their title hopes back on track with a tremendous win at Marlborough.

Three times ahead, they had to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men after Ross Potter was sent off for allegedly using an elbow. Despite being a man down they scored the winner two minutes from the end, although five additional minutes meant they had to stage rearguard action to ensure their return to top place.

With Delaneys only drawing, Athletic are back on top with games in hand on all their closest rivals.

Athletic had the lead no fewer than three times in this match but were made to fight all the way by a Marlborough side with their own title aspirations.

KEY MOMENTS

1 min: The match started with Marlborough fielding just nine men. They were soon up to strength, however, when two late players appeared.

12 min: After a cagey opening John Curtis just failed to get to a Mark Appleton centre

14 min: Danny Self gave the ball away and Marlborough shot from distance but it was well wide.

21 min: A Marlborough shot from distance went well wide and then Andrew Maxim had to be alert to save another effort from the home side.

26 min: Good play down the left saw Lee Barrett in the clear and he fired home with a low shot that appeared to take a deflection.

30 min: Mark Appleton fired high over the bar

32 min: A Marlborough player got round the back of the Hethersett defence and hit a low cross to the far post that was tapped home by a forward.

40 min: A number of Hethersett players combined well to set up Lee Barrett but he fired over the top.

42 min: Hethersett's defence looked hesitant and Marlborough broke through to send a shot over the bar.

47 min: Maxim again had to be alert to save smartly.

50 min: Marlborough sent a fierce drive just wide.

55 min: A good run from Lee Barrett produced a corner that came to nothing.

60 min: A Danny Self free-kick was headed wide by Matt Steward at the far post.

62 min: Hethersett were awarded a penalty after Lee Barrett was brought down after a sparkling run. Danny Self rammed the spot kick into the roof of the net.

72 min: A long ball from John Curtis cause panic in the Marlborough defence and they conceded a corner. From the corner, Matt Steward's goalbound header was cleared off the line and Curtis fired over the top.

72 min: The action was coming thick and fast with James Rice coming on for the tiring Sam Wenham who had just returned from injury. Ross Potter was sent off for using his elbows in a challenge. It seemed a rather harsh decision.

80 min: Hethersett's defence again looked flat-footed as a Marlborough player stole in to equalise.

85 min: Matt Barrett came on for Mark Appleton as Hethersett looked to be hanging on for a well deserved point.

87 min: Scott Woodcock came on for Lee Barrett.

88 min: Danny Self found himself with time and space and shot low into the corner of the net for what turned out to be the winning goal.

89 min: Woodcock burst through but was thwarted by the 'keeper's legs when he looked likely to add a third for Hethersett.

90 min: Hethersett hung on as the referee played almost five extra minutes.

League Match Hethersett Athletic (0) 2 Eaton Beehive (0) 1

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; Matt Cartledge, Ross Potter, Matt Steward, Martyn Carver (sub Matt Barrett 88 mins), Danny Self, John Curtis, James Rice, Scott Woodcock, Sam Wenham, Mark Moseley (sub Mark Appleton 52 mins).

GOALS: 67 mins: James Rice; 72 mins Eaton Beehive; 88 mins Scott Woodcock.

Players sent off: Two for Eaton Beehive: Bookings - One Eaton Beehive and Martyn Carver (dissent).

Venue: Easton College Weather - Sunny but with strong breeze. Hard pitch. Referee N. Howes 8 out of 10.

Hethersett were made to battle hard by an Eaton team who needed to win to stand any chance of avoiding relegation.

This looked anything but a top v bottom of the table clash with both sides desperately needing points for very different reasons. The first half was goalless with Hethersett missing a number of good chances.

Goals always looked likely and Hethersett looked on the road to victory when James Rice headed them into the lead after 67 minutes. Having had a player sent off for a professional foul, Eaton refused to give up and equalised on the break five minutes later.

A second player was sent off after 77 minutes for a second bookable offence. Hethersett struggled to press home their two man advantage and it wasn't until the 88th minute that Scott Woodcock scored the winning goal. Even then Hethersett had to be alert not to be caught on the break and hold out for another vital victory.

KEY MOMENTS:

5 mins: A Danny Self free-kick was met by Matt Steward but his shot went harmlessly wide.

8 mins Scott Woodock had a shot saved by the 'keeper's legs.

16 mins: Woodcock beat two players before lining up a shot that the 'keeper saved again with his legs.

20 mins: Woodcock again but this time his drive was turned round for a corner.

33 mins: Eaton headed over the bar in a rare attack

38 min: Matt Steward sent John Curtis free and he moved into the penalty area before being forced wide and shooting off target.

39 min: An Eaton player forced his way through, but his shot was blocked from a corner which saw Eaton head over the bar.

41 mins: An Eaton player was allowed too much time and space, but shot over as the half finished goalless.

46 mins: A Danny Self corner looked to be heading goalwards before and Eaton defender cleared off the line.

47 mins: Woodcock held off two challenges and shaped to shoot but fired wide.

51 min Hethersett won a corner and two players were injured as they tried to turn in a low centre from Self.

52 mins: James Rice worked his way into the area but his shot was saved.

52 mins: Mark Appleton replaced Mark Moseley.

54 mins: Hesitancy in the Hethersett defence allowed a played to ghost in and Chris Bolderstone had to save with his legs.

57 mins: Eaton had the ball in the net but the effort was disallowed with two players in offside positions.

62 mins: Eaton continued to threaten and Boldesrtone saved well.

64 mins: Eaton were reduced to 10 men when a player was sent off for a professional foul when Woodcock was brought down when virtually in sight of the goal.

66 min. An Eaton player was booked for dissent

67 min: A long ball from Matt Steward was headed on and James Rice had the easy chance to send a looping header into an unguarded net.

68 min: Hethersett almost increased their lead when Woodcock headed a Mark Appleton centre over the bar.

70 min: Woodcock shot from distance but it went well wide. Then John Curtisd blocked a shot from one of his teammates virtually on the line.

72 mins: Eaton continued to look dangerous and equalised when two players broke through and one of them fired into the top corner.

74 mins: An Eaton player was booked for dissent and five minutes later was sent off for the latest in a series of fould. Eaton were reduced to nine men.

77 min: Bolderstone almost scored with a long kick which caught the wind and sailed over the opposing goalkeeper who had to scramble it wide for a corner.

78 min: Martyn Carver was booked for dissent.

88 min: Hethersett were struggling to make their additional players count, but Woodcock burst through to shoot into the corner of the net.

88 mins: Matt Barrett replaced the injured Martyn Carver. Woodcick burst through again and played the ball to Sam Wenham whose drive was brilliantly saved by the 'keeper.

90 mins: Hethersett continued to push forward and Wenham shot wide.

90 mins: Hethersett were guilty of pushing too many players forward and Bolderstone was called into action as Eaton threatened for the final time.

LEAGUE MATCH: Quebec (1) 2 Hethersett (0) 2

HETHERSETT: Chris Bolderstone, Martyn Carver, Chris Steele, Matt Steward, Ross Potter, Lee Barrett, John Curtis, S. Woodcock, Mark Appleton, Danny Self, Sam Wenham. Subs (all used) - Chris Arnold, James Rice, Dean Fitzgerald

Referee: G. Sandell 8

Dean Fitzgerald popped up to equalise with the last kick of the match and grab a valuable point for Athletic.

The game began with Hethersett pinning their opponents in their own half and apart from a few set pieces and break always were very comfortable. Half chances fell to Mark Appleton, John Curtis and Scott Woodcock and Ross Potter had a header cleared off the line, their first real chance of the game, John Curtis raced onto a through ball and with only the keeper to beat chipped the ball over the bar. Minutes later Curtis raced into the box only to be brought down by the keeper, Danny Self stepped up after his successful penalty against Marlborough but this time smashed his penalty against the crossbar.

This miss spurred Quebec into action and they pinned Hethersett back for the rest of the half with Chris Bolderstone making two good saves and the Ross Potter and Matt Steward having to deal with alot of aerial balls which was proving difficult against the sun. Minutes before half time Quebec took the lead as their forward fired in from an acute angle.

Hethersett regrouped at half time and made some tactical changes. The second half began with Hethersett bombarding the Quebec goal, Lee Barrett twice, Scott Woodcock and Mark Appleton all going close. At times it was amazing the ball wasn't crossing the line.

The game then began to become very physical with Quebec determined not to let their opponents play.

After 65 minutes Quebec made it 2-0 as one of thier midfield players planted a superb header into the corner of the net.

Hethersett made changes bringing on Chris Arnold and James Rice and threw everything at their opponents. On 85 minutes Hethersett made another change as Dean Fitzgerald entered the fray. On 88 minutes Hethersett were given hope as Mark Appleton was brought down in the box and stepped up to make it 2-1, Hethersett continued to attack and in the dying seconds Dean Fitzgerald rifled home to make it 2-2.

Manager Ross Potter was disappointed with the result 'had the team not been so wasteful in front of goal we would have won the game comfortably, credit to Quebec though they have a great togetherness and I believe they will challenge next year.'

League Match: Poringland (0) 1 Hethersett (2) 2

TEAM: John Curtis; Matt Cartledge, Ross Potter, Matt Steward, Martyn Carver, Matt Barrett, Danny Self, James Rice, Mark Appleton, Chris Steele, Dean Fitzgerald. Subs (not used) - Sam Wenham, Nick Appleton, Luke Appleton

GOALS: 19 mins: Mark Appleton; 41 mins: Mark Appleton; 90 mins Poringland.

Players booked: Danny Self and one Poringland player for violent conduct.

Venue: Poringland Weather - Sunny and very warm. Referee Mr Collins 8 out of 10.

With Marlborough only drawing at Coltishall, Hethersett moved back to the top of the Premier Division with just three games remaining.

They were in control of this game for long periods and built up a decent 2-0 lead at half-time with two goals from Mark Appleton.

In the second half the team had to battle against the slope but held Poringland to a handful of chances. There were some uneasy moments towards the end as Poringland made it 2-1 in injury time.

KEY Moments:

1 min: Matt Steward flicked on a corner but the Poringland defence bundled the ball clear.

10 min: Poringland shot from distance but the effort went wide.

14 mins: A long clearance from Hethersett was misjudged by the Poringland 'keeper and he desperately clawed the ball away for a corner.

19 mins: James Rice broke clear down the right and sent over a low centre which was touched on to Mark Appleton who was unmarked at the far post and he drove the ball home.

35 mins: Poringland fired a free kick over the top as the home team had a spell of pressure.

37 mins: Stand in 'keeper Curtis hurtled from his goal to clear danger ahead of marauding Poringland forwards.

41 mins: Matt Steward sent a long ball forward and a defensive mix-up by a defender and the keeper conceded a corner. Mark Appleton rose above the defence to head home number two.

50 mins: Porinlgnad shot narrowly wide.

53 mins: Mark Appleton was brought down and the referee pointed to the penalty spot, only to change his mind after consulting a linesman. A free-kick on the edge of the area was the correct decision. Steele sent the free kick over the bar.

55 mins: Mark Appleton got round the back again and centred but Matt Cartledge headed over.

70 mins: Ross Potter produced a fine header to clear fro a corner as Poringland threatened.

72 mins: The Poringland 'keeper dropped the ball but Hethersett were unable to take advantage of it.

80 mins: Danny Self sent a free-kick narrowly wide.

90 mins: Mark Appleton saw a shot well saved by the keeper.

90 mins: With time running out Poringland headed home for what turned out to be nothing more than a consolation goal but which started two very nervous minutes for the visitors.

League Match: Hethersett (0) 0 Marlborough (1) 1

TEAM: John Curtis; Matt Cartledge, Ross Potter, Martyn Carver, Matt Barrett, Danny Self, James Rice (sub Dave Stevens 65 mins), Mark Appleton (sub Scott Woodcock 70 mins), Chris Steele, Sam Wenham, Ben Player. Sub (not used) - Dean Fitzgerald.

GOALS: 33 mins Marlborough (penalty)

Players booked: Danny Self for dissent and three Marlborough players for fouls.

Venue: Easton College Weather - Sunny and very warm, hard pitch. Referee J. Chapman 9 out of 10.

Hethersett were left with an uphill struggle after this top of the table clash defeat. It means that to take the title Hethersett must win their final two games of the season.

The only goal of the game came after 33 minutes when Matt Barrett was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area and Marlborough made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Marlborough had the best of the first half and looked the stronger and sharper tea. The second half was fairly even with chances hard to come by. Ben Player had a shot well saved, Scott Woodcock fired at the goalkeeper when well placed and Chris Steele saw a late 25 yard drive hit the top of the crossbar.

KEY MOMENTS:

5 Min: Ross Potter looked to have scored an own goal when he sliced a clearance towards his own goal only for John Curtis to scramble back and turn it over for a corner.

15 Min: Mark Appleton got round the back but could only pull the ball back to the 'keeper.

23 Min: Ben Player shot over the top, but Marlborough were looking the better outfit

28 min: Chris Steele and Mark Appleton combined in a series of one-twos only for Appleton to fire over the top

31 min: A Marlborough forward got round the back of Martyn Carver and Curtis was called on to make a good save.

33 min: There didn't appear to be any great danger, but a Marlborough centre bounced awkwardly and was handled by Matt Barrett. Colin Wines slammed the penalty into the top corner.

36 min: Wines was booked for a foul on the 'keeper.

46 min: Wines shot wide

50 min: Ben Player had a clear shot at goal but his effort was well saved.

56 min: Mark Appleton headed narrowly wide following a corner.

58 min: A second Marlborough player was booked for a foul and Danny Self's corner was cleared at the expense of a corner.

61 min: James Rice saw a looping header drop narrowly wide.

65 min: Dave Stevens replaced James Rice

70 min: Scott Woodcock replaced Mark Appleton as Hethersett desperately went in search of an equaliser.

75 min: Woodcock burst through but his shot was parried by the 'keeper.

80 min: Self was booked for dissent

81 min: Marlborough had a good opportunity but fired over the top.

83 min: Hethersett won a free kick and Self's centre was headed over by Martin Carver

88 min: Curtis saved a shot at point blank range

89 min: Chris Steele smashed a superb 25 yard drive that clipped the top of the crossbar.

LEAGUE MATCH Hethersett (1) 1 Acle (2) 2

TEAM: Chris Bolderstone; John Curtis; Ross Potter (Sub Matt Cartledge 40 mins), Matt Steward, Martyn Carver, Matt Barrett (sub James Rice 89 mins), Mark Appleton, Dean Fitzgerald, Sam Wenham (sub Dave Stevens 15 mins), Lee Barrett, Chris Arnold.

GOALS: 14 mins: Acle; 20 mins: Lee Barrett; 31 min Acle.

Players booked: Matt Barrett and two Acle players.

Venue: Easton College Weather - dull but dry. Referee I Conway 6 out of 10.

Hethersett's dreams of taking the Premier Division title evaporated as a result of their second defeat in two weeks.

Acle proved difficult opponents once again and Athletic never really dominated the game and paid the price for more missed chances - something that has plagued their season.

Their cause wasn't helped when Matt Barrett headed past his own 'keeper after 14 minutes. Lee Barrett equalised six minutes later, but Acle scored what turned out to be the winner after 31 minutes. Hethersett pushed forward after the break but left their shooting boots in the changing rooms.

KEY MOMENTS

9 min: John Curtis cut to the line and centred but Sam Wenham shot just wide

14 mins: Woods got down the left for Acle and centred with Matt Barrett sending a bullet header into his own goal.

15 mins: A good three man Hethersett move ended with Wenham shooting wide. Shortly after Wenham sustained a knee injury and was replaced by Dave Stevens.

20 mins: Mark Appleton broke down the right and centred for Lee Barrett to head Hethersett level.

26 mins: Appleton again beat the defence for pace but his cross evaded everyone.

31 mins: An Acle player was given too much time and space and hammered a low shot home.

32 mins: Chris Bolderstone saved well as Acle threatened again

40 mins: Ross Potter was carried off with a nasty ankle injury and replaced by Matt Cartledge.

45 min: Lee Barrett shot over the bar.

46 mins: Mark Appleton went close with a snap shot and a minute later burst clear but put his shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

59 mins: Acle should have extended their lead but shot just wide.

61 mins: Chris Arnold headed a free-kick over the bar

66 mins: Hethersett had what looked like a cast iron penalty turned down.

67 mins: Curtis worked his way through but shot wide and then Appleton headed wide from a corner.

69 mins: A last ditch tackle stopped a Hethersett forward from getting in a shot.

70 mins: Lee Barrett saw a shot cleared off the line

74 mins: An Acle player was booked for dissent

77 mins: A second Acle player was booked for a foul.

83 mins: Matt Barrett was booked as the game became rather heated. Matt Steward headed a corner over the bar.

90 mins: Acle blocked another Hethersett shot on the line. James Rice replaced Matt Barrett and Acle hit the post.

LEAGUE MATCH Hethersett (0) 1 Delaneys (1) 2

TEAM: Chris Brownbridge; Matt Barrett, James Rice, John Curtis, Mark Appleton (sub Steven Beck 70 mins), Sam Wenham, Lee Barrett, Chris Steele, Danny Self, Matt Bradfield (sub Michael Roughsedge 62 mins), Ben Thompson.

GOALS: 36 mins: Delaneys; 60 mins: Lee Barrett;

Players booked: one Delaneys.

Venue: Easton College Weather - dull but dry. Referee V. Petri 6 out of 10.

Hethersett wrapped their season up with a point from a game they dominated for long periods. Once again missed chances, including a late penalty, gifted Delaneys a point and gave their opponents third spot.

With just one point from their last three games, it was a disappointing end to the season for Hethersett who had a number of players playing out of position but who still managed to play some delightful football with only the final touch missing.

KEY MOMENTS

7 mins: Delaneys had a clear run at goal but shot wide

9 mins: Danny Self and Lee Barrett linked up well but Self shot wide.

12 mins: A good four man move ended with Chris Steele crashing a shot against the bar.

17 mins: Mark Appleton got round the back but there was nobody to get onto his cross

22 mins: Appleton again broke through and looked odds on to score as the goalkeeper retreated. He dragged his shot wide, however.

32 mins: Ben Thompson saw a header cleared off the line.

36 mins: Delaneys took the lead when the sprung the offside trap with a forward chesting the ball down. Chris Brownbridge did well to force him wide and parry the first shot but Delaneys knocked home the rebound.

45 mins: A one-two between Matt Bradfield and James Rice saw Ben Thompson break free. His shot was partially saved and came back off the post. Chris Steele following up hit the bar for the second time in the game.

47 mins: Steele shot over from 25 yards.

55 mins John Curtis sent a lovely through ball to Appleton but his shot lacked power.

58 mins: Ben Thompson set up Danny Self but his effort was comfortably saved.

60 mins: Hethersett took a quick free kick to Steele who outpaced the defence and pulled the ball back. Thompson's shot was saved but Lee Barrett hammered home the rebound.

61 mins: A long shot from Delaneys just floated over the bar.

62 mins: Michael Roughsedge replaced Matt Bradfield for his first appearance of the season.

65 mins: Ben Thompson had a point blank effort saved by the 'keeper.

66 mins: James Rice centred and Ben Thompson's header was smothered by the 'keeper.

70 mins: A Delaneys' player was booked for dissent and Steve Beck replaced Mark Appleton.

81 mins: Sam Wenham raced from the halfway line and beat two players before firing a cross across the goalmouth without anybody getting onto the end of it.

84 mins: A lovely flowing move sent Thompson in the clear and he was pulled down just as he was about to shoot. Danny Self saw his initial penalty kick saved and then blasted the rebound over the bar.

89 mins: Lee Barrett worked his way through but his effort was saved.