A
National FA Community Charter Club
Marlborough 1 Hethersett Athletic 2
Norfolk Senior Sunday Cup Semi-Final
Sunday,
8th February, 2004
Hethersett Athletic reached the final of the Norfolk Sunday Senior Cup
with a well deserved 2-1 win over perennial cup semi-finalists
Marlborough.
A goal in each half saw the visitors grab another Norwich Sunday League
Premier Division scalp in a game dominated by a strong swirling wind.
Hethersett always looked the better team as they continued their
giantkilling acts to reach a showcase final at Carrow Road in April.
Hethersett took the lead after 23 minutes when Danny Self fired home a
trademark free-kick from just outside the area.
Despite having the wind advantage in the first half, Marlborough
struggled to break down a solid Hethersett defence and top scorer Ben
Thompson had the ideal opportunity to make it 2-0 just before the break
only to fire over with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Hethersett continued on top after the break and had a number of chances
to increase their lead before Thompson scored a freak goal in the 80th
minute.
There was no
danger as the Marlborough 'keeper fielded a shot and decided to dribble
to the edge of the area rather than clear from his hands.
He only succeeded in hitting his clearance straight to Thompson who
promptly fired back into an empty net from more than 40 yards.
It was no more than the visitors deserved. Towards the end Marlborough
made a number of substitutions and played three up front. This paid off
in the 89th minute when substitute Danny Tanty scored with a powerful
rising shot.
Hethersett managed to play out the remaining minutes with few problems.
This was another stunning performance from Hethersett, based on skill,
application, spirit and a desperate desire to reach the final.
"I don't
think it ever entered any of the players' heads that we wouldn't win
this match. It was a tough game but we were always in control. It was
one of the best performances in the club's history," said chairman
Peter Steward.
As for man of
the match. Well that would be an impossible decision as every player
gave 100 per cent.
