Hethersett Athletic

Hethersett moved back to the top of the league thanks to this win and title contenders Marlborough only managing a 2-2 draw against Coltishall. Hethersett technically need five points from their remaining three games, but only if Marlborough win their two remaining matches – one of which is against Hethersett on April 29^th. Hethersett are currently two points ahead of Marlborough with a game in hand.

Hethersett expected a difficult match against a solid Poringland team and were without regular goalkeeper Chris Bolderstone through injury. His place in goal was taken by utility player John Curtis who had a fine game.

All the Hethersett players contributed to a very solid performance that saw them take a 2-0 half-time lead after having the slope advantage in the first half. They opened the scoring on 19 minutes when James Rice broke free on the right and centred for Mark Appleton to blast home unmarked at the far post.

Top scorer Appleton was on target again four minutes from the break when he rose above the Poringland defence to head home a corner.

After the break Hethersett stayed composed, battling up the slope and could have increased their lead on a number of occasions. There were some nervous moments late in the game as Poringland scored in injury time but Hethersett’s defence, which is the best in the league, held firm for a win that could go a very long way to securing the league title.

Hethersett have no game this weekend but will be watching the result of Marlborough’s game at Acle very closely. Their final three fixtures are all at home – Marlborough on April 29^th, Acle on May 6^th and Delaneys on May 13^th.

Four Hethersett Athletic women’s players have been picked for the match against Hunts FC at Fakenham tonight (Thursday 19^th April), bringing the number of Hethersett players to win county caps this season to six.

Jemma Smythe, Nicola Stolworthy, Nicola Bray and Logan Shepherd were in the 16 player squad for the match.

In addition Jodie Allard and Hazel Shepherd have also played for the county this season. Jodie is at present out injured with a broken wrist.

“The selection is a reflection of the excellent season that the women have enjoyed. It is a credit to the team that our players are now receiving county honours, “ said Hethersett Athletic Club Chairman Peter Steward.

The women’s team have already won the Eastern Region League Division One East and on Sunday got back to winning ways after a run of three defeats by beating Barchester United 8-0 in an end of season league round robin tournament. Club top scorer Nicola Bray led the way with a hat-trick and other scorers were Amy Brooks (2), Hazel Shepherd, Emily Coates and Nicola Stolworthy.

This Sunday the team are home to King’s Lynn (Easton College 2 p.m) and on April 29^th they take on Mulbarton Belles at Easton College, 2 p.m.

The Under-11 Girls team are also on the hunt for honours after drawing 1-1 with Aylsham with Sophie Rock on the scoresheet. They need to beat Wendene in their final league match to win the league title.

Hethersett Athletic Under-9B side are through to a cup final.

The beat Dereham Wanderers Blues 3-1 in their League Plate semi-final to win a place at the South Norfolk Sunday Youth League Finals day which will be held on May 6^th at Watton Sports Centre.

They are waiting to know who their opponents in the final will be after their semi-final triumph that came thanks to goals from Harry Denny, Sam Rix and Lewis Baxter.

Hethersett Athletic Under-14s went down 4-0 at Blofield. The Under-11s gained a point from a 3-3 draw against Firside with their goals coming from Tarrant, Groom and Fox.

This Saturday the Under-15s are home to Horsford and on Sunday the Under-14s wrap up their season with a home game against Scole (Memorial Field 10.30 a.m).