Hethersett Athletic

Hethersett’s dreams of a Norfolk Sunday Senior Cup return to Carrow Road were left in tatters as holders Delaneys won this quarter-final with the only goal of the game after 65 minutes.

It was the second time Hethersett have been beaten by Delaneys this season and in three hours of football they have failed to find a way through a solid defence.

Hethersett had plenty of chances, however, in the first half with the advantage of a strong breeze on the Memorial Playing Field.

The closest they went to scoring was after 10 minutes when Paul Franklin headed a corner against the underside of the bar. Mark Appleton and Scott Woodcock posed plenty of threat to Delaneys with their pace but their shooting was off target.

After soaking up considerable first half pressure, Delaneys came back into the match strongly and dominated the second half. The only goal of the game came after 65 minutes when two Delaneys’ forwards broke away. Chris Bolderstone saved an initial shot but the ball broke free and was tapped into an empty net.

Hethersett found the going tough against the wind and a resolute Delaneys defence that held on comfortably to claim the semi-final place.

Hethersett are left to step up their league challenge and on Sunday have an important match at Aylsham. The following week they take on The Grove in the League Cup second round.

Hethersett Reserves’ match at Bayer was abandoned when their opponents walked off the pitch and refused to continue after having four players booked and one sent off. Hethersett were leading 1-0 at the time with a goal from Danny Bradfield.

The club’s Under-11s had a good 3-0 win over Salhouse with goals from Rock, Rathjen and an own goal. The Girls Under-11s beat Docking Devils 5-1 with a hat-trick from Sophie Rock and two from Teagen Felknor-Edwards.

The Under-13s drew 2-2 at Dereham (Keeley, Ford), the Girls Under-15s lost 3-2 against Norwich City Canaries Yellows (Broom, Hyam). The Under-16s lost 6-1 at Drayton (Waters) and the Under-15s went down by the same scoreline at Poringland (Jolly), The Under-12s lost 5-3 at Attleborough (Wilcox, Spalding, Mott).

Hethersett Athletic men’s first team have signed a two year sponsorship deal with Hethersett Park Farm Hotel and Hethersett Queen’s Head. They are pictured before the Norfolk Sunday Senior Cup quarter-final against Delaneys.

Back (left to right) – Scott Woodcock, Matt Cartledge, Martyn Carver, Matt Steward, Chris Bolderstone, Ross Potter, Paul Franklin, Danny Self.

Front (left to right) – Steven Beck, John Curtis, Mark Appleton, Matt Barrett, Dean Fitzgerald, James Rice, Sam Wenham.

Despite being knocked out of the county cup, the team still have the chance of a league and league cup double.

“We are extremely grateful to for the generous sponsorship from Park Farm and the Queen’s Head. Our club continues to move forward and expand and the support of sponsors has become absolutely vital,” said club chairman Peter Steward.