Hethersett Athletic

Hethersett Athletic took a deserved point from a close encounter at Acle that ended in a 1-1 draw. It was a fair result with neither team deserving to lose. Hethersett manager Ross Potter rang the changes, taking the opportunity to take a look at a number of new signings including James Pipe, Dominic Jones and Brendon Burke. There was little to chose between the sides in a fast and skilful game that saw the goals scored within a four minute period towards the middle of the first half. After 17 minutes Lee Barrett gave Hethersett the lead with a stunning goal. He worked his way across the area before scoring with a 25 yard drive that left the Acle goalkeeper grasping at thin air. It took the home team just four minutes to get back on level terms when an attacker headed home through a ruck of players following a corner. The second half saw play swing from end to end with neither team able to put the finishing touches to their chances. Afterwards Potter expressed himself well pleased with Hethersett’s performance with a number of new players and others playing out of positions. This week Hethersett are home to Poringland (Easton College 10.30 a.m).

Hethersett Athletic Reserves went down 2-1 at home to Bayer and stay second from bottom of Division 2B of the Norwich Sunday League. Their goal came from Lewis Allen. This week the team visit Wilco Fast Fit. Hethersett Athletic A were without a game at the weekend but this Sunday are home to AFC Fifers.

Hethersett Athletic Ladies 3

Woodbridge Ladies 0

Hethersett Athletic Ladies’ dreams of a league and cup double are still alive following victory over an uncompromising Woodbridge team in the quarter-finals of the Eastern Region League Cup.

It was a game that never hit the heights, but which produced a competent performance from a Hethersett side which once again proved the importance of having a strong defence and midfield and fast marauding forwards. Karen Wilson returned to the Hethersett goal but the team was without Jodie Rettie and Jodie Allard through illness and included Lisa Ferdani in their side.

There was little to pick between the teams in the opening exchanges, but it took the home side just seven minutes to break the deadlock. Nikki Wigg was at the heart of a move that saw the Woodbridge ‘keeper paw her shot over for a corner. Kelly Gray’s kick was inch perfect as Wigg rose above a static defence to head home.

There was no further scoring in the first half as Hethersett battled hard against the slope. After the break Hethersett came out of their shells more to take the game to Woodbridge. After 55 minutes top scorer Nicola Bray burst through only to be hauled over in the area and Nicola Stolworthy converted the resultant penalty.

Hethersett wrapped the tie up after 76 minutes when Bray again sprang the offside trap and fired against a post. A Woodbridge defender made a mess of clearing the ball and only succeeded in turning it into her own net.

Hethersett continued to push forward to book their place in the semi-finals where they will play either local rivals Norwich City, Barking or Harringey. This week the team are without a fixture. One of their main rivals for the Eastern Region Premier Division title – Peterborough – could only draw on Sunday and the race for the league championship is increasingly looking like a two horse race between Hethersett and Norwich City.

Hethersett Athletic Under-16s beat Wymondham United 1-0 with the only goal of the game coming from Mayes. The club’s Under-14s visited Norman and drew 1-1 with their goal coming from Keeley. The Under-13s went down 9-2 to Norman (Bell 2), but the Under-11s had a good 4-1 win at Salhouse thanks to goals from Read 2, Wright and Butcher. The Under-10A team drew 2-2 with Costessey (Joe Barratt and Pummell) and lost 1-0 to Poringland. The Under-9s went down 7-0 to Old Catton. This week the Under-16s visit Horsford, the Under-15s are home to Winterton (Memorial Field 10.30), the Under-14s host Old Catton (Old Hall School 10.30), the Under-13s visit St Andrew’s, the Under-12s visit Fakenham, the Under-11s are home to Fakenham (Old Hall School 2 p.m), the Under-10A side play Rockland and Taverham and the Under-10B team visit Thetford Indies.

Hethersett Athletic Under-12s moved up to fourth place in the league following another demolition job. They beat Salhouse 10-1 with the club’s top marksman Will Foster scoring four for the third time in the last four matches. Hethersett have hit 19 goals in their last two games and Foster took his tally for the season to a massive 38. No fewer than seven players were on target against Salhouse with other goals coming from Tarrant, McDonagh, Pfeiffer, Sanders, Rathjen and Burton. This week the team visit Fakenham

Hethersett Girls Under-12s visited Dereham in a game that was described as a joy to watch with plenty of support for both teams and this seemed to lift them. Both teams played excellent passing football and created numerous chances that were well dealt with by two strong defences. Hethersett enjoyed the early pressure but failed to take their chances and this arguably cost them the chance of wining the game as Dereham gradually came back into it. Ella Stephenson broke the deadlock to score her first goal for the club. Dereham hit back and equalised with a shot from some distance that the Hethersett ‘keeper failed to hold onto. Towards the end of the game Sophie Rock was sent clear and she fired past the on-rushing ‘keeper only to see her effort go agonisingly wide. It was a fine game played with passion, controlled aggression and plenty of skill and a game that both teams can be proud of.

Hethersett Girls Under-15s put in a much improved performance before going down 3-0 at North Walsham Angels. This Saturday they are home to Clenchwarton (Easton College 10.a.m)