Hethersett Athletic

A first half goal from top scorer Mark Appleton and a second just four minutes from the end by James Rice were good enough to win a match where Hethersett missed numerous chances but which also saw some dogged defending from the visitors. With Marlborough only drawing, Hethersett’s hold on top position was strengthened.

Hethersett were forced to ring the changes yet again with Sam Wenham, Matt Steward, Scott Woodcock and Paul Franklin all sidelined with injuries and Dean Fitzgerald suspended. Andy Milne stepped up from the reserves and player-manager Ross Potter came into the back four. Matt Bradfield was one of the substitutes and came on towards the end to record his 200^th game for the club.

Potter had a fine game in marking danger man Chris Holmes virtually out of the game.

Hethersett had most of the territorial advantage throughout the game but ‘keeper Chris Bolderstone had to be alert on a number of occasions. His opposite number and former Hethersett ‘keeper Michael Larkin also made a number of good saves but was left helpless after 29 minutes when a defence splitting pass from John Curtis saw Mark Appleton nip in to slide the ball wide of a helpless Larkin.

Hethersett had to wait until the 86^th minute to make sure of the points. Prince of Denmark failed to clear in their area and James Rice pounced with a low shot into the corner.

This Sunday Hethersett visit Quebec in the league (10.30 a.m)

Hethersett Athletic Reserves went down 4-1 at Kett’s Tavern with their only goal coming from Richard Manington. The team now have a relegation battle on their hands.

Hethersett Athletic A kept their promotion hopes alive with a 1-1 draw at home to unbeaten Norfolk County Council with their goal coming from Chris Sutcliffe.

This Sunday the reserves are home to Earlham United (Memorial Field 10.30 a.m) and the A team visit North Warriers.

Hethersett Athletic Ladies took a giant leap towards the Eastern Region Women’s League Division One East title on Sunday – without kicking a ball.

Their closest rivals Chelmsford City went down 4-1 to Barchester United and that means that Hethersett need just one point from their two league games against the Essex side to make sure of the title.

Hethersett will certainly get to know Chelmsford well in the next few weeks as they take them on in three consecutive matches.

On Sunday (February 11^th) they play them at Easton College in the third round of the League Cup. Then come two games that will wrap up Hethersett’s league season. The home match is on February 18^th and the following week the reverse fixture takes place at Chelmsford.

“The women’s team has been a great credit to the club this season. They are still in with a chance of three trophies and just one point will give us the league title and promotion,” said club chairman Peter Steward.

Hethersett Athletic Under-15s player Adam Buffin went 112 games without a goal for the club, but has now scored in two consecutive weeks.

On Sunday his team had a solid 4-0 win at Heigham Park. Other goals came from Ryan O’ Sullivan, Matt Molloy and Ross Luther-Veitch.

The Under-16s lost 2-1 at home to Drayton with their goal coming from Chris Marshall. The Under-14s went out of the League Cup, 4-0 at the hands of Blofield.

The Under-13s beat Lakeford 2-1 (Smith 2), the Under-12s lost 3-1(Wilcox) at home to Fakenham, the Under-11s beat Taverham 1-0 (Greengrass). The Under-10s went down 1-0 to Costessey and 3-1 to Norman (Butcher) and the Under-9A team lost 1-0 to Dereham.

The Under-11 girls’ team kept their unbeaten record going with a 1-1 draw at home to Dereham with their goal coming from Sophie Rock.

This Saturday, the Under-15 girls visit Hempnall Hunnies and the Under-11 girls are away to Wendene.

On Sunday, the Under-16s are away to Sprowston, the Under-15s are home to Horsford (Memorial Field 2 p.m), the Under-14s visit Horsford, the Under-13s are home to Sprowston (Old Hall School 10.30), the Under-12s visit Norman, the Under-11s are home to Hellesdon (Old Hall School 2 p.m), the Under-9A team play Old Catton at Norman and the Under-9B team are home to Toftwood (Little Melton School).