Hethersett Athletic

Hethersett Athletic’s descent into freefall continued when they visited Norwich Sunday League Premier Division bottom club Prince of Denmark and lost 3-2. After starting the season with five consecutive wins, Hethersett have dropped from top spot to mid-table and still desperately need points to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle. A strong wind made conditions difficult but Hethersett failed to adapt until it was too late. Denmark took the lead after just three minutes following a free kick that was charged down but the rebound was fired home. Hethersett squandered chances to equalise in the first half and paid the penalty after the break as Denmark raced into a 3-0 lead after an hour. Hethersett at last came to terms with the game as the home side lost their discipline with three players being booked and one being sent off late on. After 68 minutes Dominic Jones score his first goal for the club and Matt Steward brought Hethersett back into the game four minutes later when he headed home from a corner. Hethersett had plenty of time to push forward for the equaliser but again wasted chances. They will be desperate to make amends this Sunday when they play host to Poringland (Easton College 10.30 a.m).

Hethersett Athletic Reserves visited Costessey and went down 3-1 with their goal coming from Paul Martin. This Sunday They are home to Dynamo Denmark (Memorial Playing Field 10.30 a.m). Hethersett Athletic A were home to Freethorpe and lost 5-3 with their goals coming from Johnny Martin, Jack Newbury and Andy Oliver.

Hethersett Athletic Ladies 2

Bedford Ladies 0

Hethersett Athletic extended their lead at the top of the Eastern Region Premier Division to 13 points with a hard-earned victory over Bedford.

Hethersett’s only rivals for the title – Norwich City – were without a match and now have four games in hand on the leaders.

Hethersett know, however, that victory in their final four games will make sure of the title and promotion.

The match against Bedford was spoiled as a spectacle by a very strong wind that made good football virtually impossible. Going down the slope and into the wind in the first half, Hethersett were forced to play a patient game. They missed a golden chance to take the lead after 28 minutes when Sophie Fuller fired wide from the penalty spot after a handball.

Hethersett continued to push forward whenever possible and took the lead a minute before half-time when Fuller made up for her spot kick misery when she headed home after good work on the right by Nicola Bray.

The second half was dominated by the home side with Hethersett ‘keeper Nikki Wigg a virtual spectator. Despite numerous chances, however, Hethersett were restricted to just one goal – a fine 25 yard drive from Kelly Gray after 75 minutes. Athletic should have increased their lead when they were awarded a second penalty for a foul just inside the box. This time Nicola Stolworthy hit a weak kick straight at the ‘keeper.

As the game reached its conclusion Bedford began to lose their discipline and their coach was sent off for abusive remarks to the referee.

This Sunday Hethersett begin their run in with the first of four away games when they visit Cambridge University looking for their fifth consecutive league win. University are one of only three teams to have beaten Hethersett in the league this season - 1-0 at Easton College in October. Athletic will be very aware that any slip ups could still let in Norwich City.

Seven Hethersett players featured in Norfolk’s fine 2-0 victory over Suffolk at Fakenham that brought Suffolk’s unbeaten 18 month run to an end.

Hethersett players featured strongly in both Norfolk goals. After 25 minutes Nicola Bray was brought down after a darting run into the box and Norwich City’s Gemma Framan scored from the penalty spot. Norfolk’s second after 50 minutes came from Hethersett’s Emily Coates who scored from 12 yards. Coates and Bray also went close to scoring on a number of occasions.

Current positions in the Eastern Region Premier Division are:

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Ps
Hethersett Athletic	18	14	1	3	59	17	43
Norwich City	14	9	3	2	40	9	30
Woodbridge Town	17	9	2	6	30	26	29
Haringey Borough	16	8	4	4	39	36	28
Peterborough	15	8	2	5	36	19	26
Cambridge University	16	7	1	8	21	34	22
Bedford Ladies	13	5	3	5	28	31	18
Cambridge United	16	5	2	9	24	37	17
Barking	18	5	2	11	24	39	17
Haverhill Rovers	18	5	2	11	21	50	17
Dagenham & Redbridge #	18	4	6	8	30	30	15
Royston Town	15	3	2	10	12	36	11

# = Points deducted

Hethersett Athletic Under-15s travelled to Firside and came away with a good 4-0 victory. They got off to a slow start on a very windy day. The first goal came 20 minutes into the first half when Sam Brooks floated a well taken shot over the ‘keeper. Hethersett raised their game and started to dominate and a well taken corner saw Tom Bird turn it home with his chest to double Hethersett’s advantage. The second half started with both teams battling well and creating chances. Firside had a goal disallowed but continued to apply pressure. Hethersett responded well with Andy Smith breaking through the Firside defence to slot home number three. Hethersett continued to attack the Firside goal and hit the crossbar twice. With only 15 minutes left, Andy Smith went on another run taking on the Firside defence and battling through to get his second goal of the game. All the team played well with the back four of Freddie Raven, Tom Bird, Josh Allsop and Lewis Rodgers looking very solid. Harley Hamill in goal had very little to do. This Sunday the Under-15s are home to Old Catton (Memorial Field 2 p.m).

Hethersett Athletic Under-16s had a good 5-2 victory at home to Firside with a hat-trick for Henry Dyson. The other goals came from Ryan O’Sullivan and an own goal. The Under-14s visited Sprowston and drew 3-3 (Ford 2, Wilford), the Under-13s entertained Drayton and won 4-2 (Wilcox 2, Cooper 2), the Under-12s visited Wymondham and drew 2-2 (Tarrant and Foster). The Under-11s lost 5-1 at home to Rocklands (Wyatt), the Under-10B side beat Watton Wanderes 4-1 with a hat-trick for Joe Barratt and one for Pummell. The Under-9s went down 2-0 to Norman and 9-0 to Lakeford. This Sunday the Under-16s are home to Heigham Park (Memorial Playing Field 10.30 a.m), the Under-15s are home to Old Catton (Memorial Playing Field 2 p.m), the Under-14s visit Dereham, the Under-13s are home to Attleborough (Old Hall School 10.30 a.m), the Under-12s visit Blofield and the Under-10A team play Sprowston and Scole at Little Melton School.

Hethersett Athletic Girls Under-12s found Dereham too strong and went down 4-2 at Easton College. It was another very good game between two fine teams in a match played in very strong winds. The early exchanges were event, but Dereham then got into their stride and opened up a 2-0 lead. The Hethersett girls battled hard and began to have plenty of possession and this paid off as top scorer Sophie Rock hit a brace to bring the scores level at half-time. After the break Dereham had the advantage of the wind which they used better than the Hethersett girls had during the first half. The constant threat from Dereham at corners paid off with one of the two goals which they added during the second period. Hethersett tried desperately to get back into the game, but it was not to be. This Saturday Hethersett Athletic Girls Under-12s ar home to Spixworth (Easton College 10 a.m).

Hethersett Athletic Girls Under-15s were left without a game when their scheduled opponents called off. This Saturday they are home to Norwich City Yellows (Easton College 10 a.m).