Hethersett Athletic

Playing with a strong wind advantage in the first half, the visitors found it difficult to control a fast running ball and missed a number of chances to take the lead. They paid the price when Aylsham scored in the 32^nd minute. Hethersett ‘keeper Chris Bolderstone had to race from his goal but was just beaten to the ball by an Aylsham player. As it broke free, and Bolderstone laid injured, an Aylsham player tapped it into the net.

Hethersett opened the second half strongly, finding it easier to play against the wind. They equalised after 56 minutes when a John Curtis centre found its way to Sam Wenham who fired home from an oblique angle for his first goal for the club.

Five minutes later Hethersett scored what turned out to be the winner. Wenham got round the back of the Aylsham defence and centred to the far post where top scorer Mark Appleton headed goalwards. The Aylsham ‘keeper tried desperately to claw the ball back but it had already crossed the line.

Hethersett had a number of heart-stopping moments as they tried to protect their lead. Bolderstone made some good saves and James Rice cleared one shot off the line as the visitors held on.

Sam Wenham had an outstanding game for Hethersett that included a run in the first half that took him past three defenders before seeing his shot turned round the post by the Aylsham ‘keeper. Matt Cartledge, Matt Steward, Ross Potter and Martyn Carver were also outstanding in defence.

This Sunday, Hethersett take another break from league action when they visit The Grove in the second round of the League Cup.

Hethersett Athletic Ladies 4

Ipswich Town Under-16s 1

Hethersett Ladies are through to the semi-finals of the Two Counties Cup after a comfortable victory over a youthful Ipswich Town academy side at Easton College on Sunday.

Hethersett had virtually all of the possession but failed to make their obvious superiority count and only two injury time goals made the scoreline more realistic for the home side.

Hethersett, who were missing a number of key players including prolific scorer Nicola Bray who is cup tied, took the lead after just five minutes through Hazel Brewster.

Ipswich hit back and equalised 15 minutes later when a fierce shot slid off the head of Hethersett defender Logan Shepherd and looped into the net.

With the advantage of a strong wind, Hethersett dominated the second half but it wasn’t until the 55^th minute that they regained the lead with a goal from Amy Brooks.

Towards the end of the match Ipswich began to show some attacking intentions as they pushed forward for the equaliser only to be caught napping twice in injury time as Nicola Stolworthy and Brooks made it 4-1.

There were some outstanding performances for Hethersett with winger Stolworthy a constant threat and Logan Shepherd providing solidity at the back.

The team are still top of the East Anglian Women’s Division One East and need two wins from their remaining three games to make sure of the title. With the club’s men’s first team also top of their league, a remarkable double could be on the cards.

This Sunday the ladies team are home to Lakenheath in the league.