Hethersett Athletic

Hethersett were again without a number of key players but squandered numerous chances to put this game well beyond their opponents' reach. Hethersett's play was disjointed and what should have been an easy victory turned into a tight match.

After making all the early running the visitors took the lead on 12 minutes when a Neil Steward free kick was only parried by the 'keeper into the path of Matt Steward who was alert enough to tap home the loose ball.

It was no surprise when Hethersett doubled their advantage after 24 minutes when Sam Wenham converted a centre from the right wing.

Instead of using this as a springboard, Hethersett were caught out on the half hour as Hillside pulled a goal back. The second half continued in a similar vein with central defender Matt Steward heading home a corner after 77 minutes for his second goal of the game.

Again Hethersett sat back and defensive frailties let in Hillside for a consolation goal in injury time. Hethersett will be looking to get key players such as striker Mark Appleton and midfielder Chris Steele fit for the second round in January.

Hethersett First team’s next scheduled fixture is against Rosary Rams on 30^th December.

Hethersett Athletic Reserves found Ex Mile Cross too strong for them and went down 9-2 with both their goals coming from Paul Martin.

Bedford Ladies 2

Hethersett Athletic Ladies 1

Hethersett’s run of seven consecutive victories came to an abrupt end as they lost for only the third time this season.

It remains to be seen how serious an effect this will have on the team’s championship hopes.

Despite the defeat, Hethersett remain seven points clear at the top of the Eastern Region Premier Division with eight league games to go. With Haringey Borough also losing, Hethersett’s nearest rivals for promotion are now Peterborough who are seven points behind with two games in hand and Norwich City who are 10 points behind but with four games in hand.

Hethersett’s only goal in a very disappointing result against Bedford came from Logan Shepherd.

The team will be hoping to return to winning ways in their next league game at home to Dagenham and Redbridge on January 6^th.

Current positions in the Eastern Region Premier Division are:

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Ps
Hethersett Athletic	14	10	1	3	50	15	31
Peterborough	12	8	0	4	31	13	24
Haringey Borough	13	7	3	3	33	29	24
Woodbridge Town	13	7	1	5	22	19	22
Norwich City	10	6	3	1	29	7	21
Cambridge University	13	5	1	7	18	32	16
Bedford Ladies	11	4	3	4	25	28	15
Barking	13	5	0	8	19	28	15
Haverhill Rovers	14	4	2	8	20	43	14
Cambridge United	13	4	1	8	22	33	13
Dagenham & Redbridge	12	2	5	5	24	23	11
Royston Town	12	3	0	9	11	34	9

Hethersett Athletic Under-15s travelled to Wymondham for the first of the local derbies this season. The first half saw Hethersett create many chances with the opening goal coming from Jamie Crowe as he finished well from a Sam Brookes’ cross. Hethersett continued to apply pressure and the second goal game from Andy Smith who battled well before shooting. The Wymondham ‘keeper got a hand to the ball but the power of the shot carried it into the back of the net. The second half started much the same although Wymondham came out stronger and created some good chances. Harley Hamill played well in goal and pulled off a couple of excellent saves. A free kick was awarded to Hethersett and Jamie Crowe stepped up to place it into the roof off the net from 20 yards. Both teams continued to play well with Hethersett keeping a clean sheet to run out 3-0 winners.

Hethersett Athletic Under-11s had a good 2-0 win at Costessey with goals from Page and Wyatt. The Under-16s game at home to Norman was abandoned after 21 minutes following a serious injury to a Norman player. Norman were winning 2-1 at the time with Hethersett’s goal coming from Dyson. Hethersett Athletic Under-14s lost 3-0 at home to Thorpe, the Under-13s lost 14-0 at Firside and the Under-10B team went down 2-0 at home to Rocklands.