Hethersett Athletic

Delaneys are one of only two sides to beat Hethersett this season – 2-0 in the league – and are the only side to prevent Athletic from scoring. Since that defeat Athletic have won six consecutive league and cup matches.

Three seasons ago Hethersett reached the final of the competition at Carrow Road but went down 5-0 to Fenman Freehouse from King’s Lynn. Six of the team that day still play for the club:

“ I know the players were very disappointed with their performance that day and are very keen to return to Carrow Road and erase the memory of that defeat and also show what they can do on the big stage. We are not looking too far ahead, however, as the quarter-final will be a very difficult match. It may be a cliché but we really are taking it one game at a time,” said club chairman Peter Steward.

The team are still on for a remarkable treble. They currently sit proudly at the top of the Norwich Sunday League Premier Division and are still in the League Cup.

“Every game in the New Year will be like a cup final to us. There is so much at stake. A good run and we could achieve a league and cup treble, a poor run and we could end the season empty handed. That’s why it is essential that we keep our feet on the ground and keep focussed,” Steward added.

The quarter-final takes place at Easton College on Sunday with a 10.30 a.m kick off.

The men’s first team have signed a two year shirt sponsorship deal with Park Farm Hotel and Hethersett Queen’s Head and the Girls Under-11s have also signed a sponsorship deal with Crompton Lamps of Bradford.

“The success of our club is reflected by the number of companies coming forward to sponsor our various teams. We are very grateful for their support which helps us to continue to develop sport for all ages and both sexes,” Peter Steward added.

Most of the club’s teams return to action this weekend.after the Christmas and New Year break. The first team’s cup match takes place on Sunday at Easton College (kick off 10.30). The Men’s Reserves are home to Ex-Mile Cross (Memorial Playing Field 10.30) and the men’s A side visit Costessey Reserves. The women’s side visit Lakenheath and a win will keep them firmly at the top of the East Anglian Women’s League Division One East.

The Under-16s visit Attleborough, the Under-15s are home to St Andrew’s (Memorial Field 2 p.m), the Under-14s visit Attleborough, the Under-13s are home to St Andrew’s (Old Hall School 10.30), the Under-12s are also home to St Andrew’s (Old Hall School 2 p.m), the Under-11s visit Norwich United, the Under-10s play Sprowston and Poringland at Sprowston, the Under-9A side play Lakeford and Scole at Little Melton School and the Under-9B side play Dereham at Little Melton School.

On Saturday the Girls Under-15 side visit Toftwood.