Hethersett Athletic

Hethersett Athletic became giantkillers when they reached the semi finals of the Norfolk Sunday Senior Cup after a stunning comeback against Norwich Sunday League Premier Division champions Quebec Rovers on Sunday 11th January 2004.

Athletic, top of the Norwich Sunday League Division One, came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 after extra-time.

The game was a triumph for enthusiasm and endeavour against a very well organised Quebec side. All three home goals came from former Norwich City Academy player Danny Self, who was returning to the side after a lengthy period out through injury.

Self scored twice in the second half to cancel out two first half Quebec strikes and then scored the winner in the last minute of extra-time.

Hethersett were without leading scorer Ben Thompson who was unavailable. They included three sets of brothers in their squad of 14 - Chris and Matt Steward, Mark and Chris Sutcliffe and Lee and Matt Barrett. It was also a personal milestone for Matt Steward who was making his 200th league and cup appearance for the club.

The strong wind and heavy pitch played an important part in the match with the home side finding the going tough in the first half. At the break Hethersett were 2-0 down but any thoughts Quebec might have had of an easy victory were destroyed by Self after the break.

After 56 minutes he beat the Quebec 'keeper to a long clearance and headed over him into the net. Nine minutes from the end of normal time, Self equalised with a viciously struck free-kick. Shortly before that Hethersett had been awarded a penalty by referee Andy Shiplee only for him to change his mind and award a free-kick outside the area after consulting a linesman.

With very little time left in the second period of extra-time, the tie looked to be heading for a replay until Self swept home a loose ball to complete his hat-trick and start the celebrations.

"It was one of the finest displays by a Hethersett team in the 12 years of the club's existence. We have proved that not only can we compete against the top clubs, but that we are also one of the best Sunday sides in Norfolk. We fear no-one and the excellent team spirit will make us a match for anyone," said Club Chairman Peter Steward.

The win maintained the team's unbeaten record in league and cup games this season with 13 wins and one draw in 14 matches. It also completed a superb semi final double for the club with the Men's Reserves already through to the semi-final of the Norfolk Sunday Junior Cup.

The above article has been sent to news Media and sports publications in Norfolk

Statistical note: Quebec's goals came in the 18th and 37th minutes. Hethersett's goals came after 56, 81 and 108 minutes