Hethersett Athletic

After defeats against Marlborough and Acle that wrecked their Norwich Sunday League title hopes, Hethersett shuffled their pack for their final league match of the season with runners-up spot already in the bag.

Chris Brownbridge replaced Chris Bolderstone in goal, John Curtis dropped into the back four, Danny Self returned to the team after suspension and young reserve team player Matt Bradfield came in. Chris Steele returned to the side and Ben Thompson played up front for his only appearance of the season.

With Delaneys needing at least a point from the game to ensure third place, it was a match full of good open attacking football that Hethersett should have won. Missed chances again cost them a victory that some excellent approach work deserved.

The visitors took the lead after 36 minutes when they sprung the offside trap. Brownbridge saved an initial shot but a Delaneys’ forward scored at the second attempt.

Hethersett deservedly equalised after 60 minutes when Chris Steele got round the back of the defence and pulled the ball back. Thompson’s shot was saved but Lee Barrett netted the rebound.

Hethersett dominated much of the remainder of the game with Thompson hitting the post and Steele hitting the bar twice. Six minutes from time Thompson was brought down in the area but Self’s penalty was parried by the Delaney’s ‘keeper and Self blasted the rebound over the bar.

Hethersett Ladies were presented with the Eastern Region Division One East championship shield at the club’s presentation evening for adult sides held at Park Farm Hotel.

Over 70 players, partners and club officials were present to see Ladies team skipper Jemma Smythe receive the trophy from Eastern Region Women’s League chairman David Dawson. Mr Dawson congratulated Hethersett on their achievement.

“The league views Hethersett as a strong, successful and emerging club which will grace the league’s Premier Division next season,” he said. Mr Dawson also presented trophies to Nicola Bray for being the division’s top scorer and top player.

Special guests for the evening were Club Vice President and Chair of Norfolk FA Stuart Dracup and his wife Margaret and Principal of Easton College David Lawrence and his wife Sarah.

The Lee Thompson Memorial Trophy for outstanding contribution to the club went to Women's Team Manager and Club Vice-Chair Sue Milne.

Daniel Holman was presented with a special trophy for becoming the first player in the club's history to complete 300 league and cup appearances. He has also been awarded life membership.

David Lawrence and Stuart Dracup presented club trophies to the following: 300 appearances, Daniel Holman; 250 appearances, Andy Milne and Matt Steward; 200 appearances - Matt Bradfield; 150 appearances, Lewis Allen, Chris Brownbridge and Andy Oliver; 100 appearances, Stuart Holland, Matt Barrett, Mike Pugh, James Rice, Ross Potter and Mark Appleton; 50 appearances, Martyn Carver; 150 goals, Lewis Allen; 100 goals, Paul Martin.

Golden Boot (most goals during the season), Nicola Bray 30; Lee Thompson Memorial Trophy, Sue Milne.

The Women's Team awards were presented by club chairman Peter Steward to the following: Top goalscorer, Nicola Bray; Supporters' Player of the Year, Jemma Smythe; Best Attitude, Jemma Smythe; Players' Player of the Year, Laura Hodgson; Dream Team Star Player, Emily Coates; Young Player of the Year, Amy Brooks and Emily Coates; Highest Average Rating throughout season, Logan Shepherd; Player of the Season, Emily Coates; Outstanding Achievement Award, Nicola Stolworthy.

The Men's First Team reported on their most successful season to date, finishing second in the Evening News Norwich Sunday League Premier Division and just being pipped to the title by Marlborough.

Team player-manager Ross Potter made the following awards: Manager's Player of the Year, Danny Self; Players' Player of the Year, Danny Self; chairman's award for outstanding performance in single match, Sam Wenham (away to Aylsham January 21st, 2007).

A Team awards were made to the following: Players' player of the season, Matt Bradfield; Manager's player of the season, Danny Holman.