Hethersett Athletic

Hethersett never looked in trouble against a game Barking side and added this major trophy to the Eastern Region Division One Championship won last season.

Three first half goals ensured the trophy returned to Norfolk for the first time in its history. Hethersett had the luxury of being able to coast to victory in the second half and comfortably snuffed out any chance of a Barking revival.

It took Hethersett just three minutes to open the scoring as Nikki Wigg turned home a right wing corner.

Hethersett doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when a long ball from Nicola Stolworthy saw Nicola Bray and the Barking ‘keeper in a battle for the ball which broke loose for Emily Coates to side-foot home despite the desperate efforts of a Barking defender to clear off the line.

Athletic sowed the game up on 34 minutes when Jodie Allard weaved her way into the penalty area only to be brought down and Coates coolly slotted home the penalty kick for her second goal of the game.

Hethersett had just one shaky moment in the first half when a stray back pass let in a Barking forward but an alert Logan Shepherd was able to get back to concede a corner with a fine interception.

The second half was always going to be an anti climax with Hethersett dropping deeper to protect their lead and never looking in trouble. They had a number of chances but failed to increase their lead.

Hethersett captain Jemma Smythe received the trophy from league chairman David Dawson. Afterwards Hethersett coach Tom Parke admitted he was still in a daze at Hethersett’s achievement. “It will take some time to sink in and realise just what we have achieved this season,” he said.

Cup Final Team: Sarah Quantrill; Jodie Allard, Logan Shepherd, Jodie Rettie, Jemma Smythe, Kelly Gray, Emily Coates, Nicola Bray, Nikki Wigg, Nicola Stolworthy, Sophie Fuller. Subs (used) - Lisa Ferdani, Amy Brooks, Hazel Shepherd. Subs (not used) - Karen Wilson, Adele McCrory.

Images from the final (click on them to open a larger picture)


*Nikki Wigg rises above the Barking defence*	*Jodie Rettie in action against Barking*

*Amy Brooks who came on as a substitute*	*Jemma Smythe receives the trophy from League Chairman David Dawson*
The Victorious Hethersett team celebrate
	*Coach Tom "Toastie" Park with the trophy*