Hethersett, Attleborough, Wymondham

Hethersett became frustrated by some poor refereeing and physical opposition who proved just too strong.

Hethersett Athletic U15 Girls never found their form and suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Aylsham. The opposition went into a 2-0 half-time lead despite Hethersett going close on a number of occasions. Hethersett dominated the opening 20 minutes of the second half before Aylsham broke away to score twice — the second being an excellent chip over the keeper. Aylsham also had the last word to make it 5-1 and a bad day for the Hethersett players.

Hethersett Athletic U14 took an early lead in their home game against Attleborough, when top scorer Robert Warminger netted. They had several good chances, but failed to score again until the second half, when a long-range Warminger shot was fumbled. Hethersett hIt the woodwork twice before the visitors scored with a superb free-kick. Hethersett survived late pressure to hang on.

Hethersett Athletic U13 were involved in a nine-goal thriller at Poringland, but unfortunately ended on the wrong side of a 5-4 scoreline, Guy Peres and Ashley Gray both scored twice for Hethersett.

Hethersett Athletic U12 went down 5-0 at Loddon Grasshoppers and the club’s U10s lost 1-0 at home to Sprowston, while the U9s were not at their best against Norwich United, with the home side running out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Attleborough junior school competed in the Norfolk Schools Football Tournament at Stalham on February 12. They won the competition and as a result, will be representing Norfolk in London very soon against other counties.

Attleborough Town U11 travelled to Thorpe to play in windy conditions. Playing with the wind in the first half, Boro put pressure on the Thorpe goal, with near misses from Shezza and Alf. After 10 minutes, Ricky took his chance and lobbed the keeper perfectly. Liam then managed to squeeze the ball into the net from the tightest angle. Boro now felt more comfortable in their game and Euey soon added a third before half-time with a header in the box. The second half was tougher, against the wind, but they managed to keep Thorpe at bay and continued to pressure their goal. This resulted in a Thorpe hand-ball and penalty for Boro, which Ryan converted calmly. A great 4-0 win for the Boro.

Attleborough U15 completed this season’s double on Sunday over Wendene Wanderers, who can always be trusted to provide a physical game and this week was no exception. The match saw a great team effort by all the Attleborough players, with end-to end-play throughout. Rob Sweet scored and this week’s manager’s man-of-the-match was Curtis Bolton who claimed his fifth hat-trick of the season, with Attleborough climbing above Wendene in the league. Final score: Wendene Wanderers 3, Attleborough Town 4.

Hethersett U10 started their game against Sprowston very slowly and before three minutes was up they were 1-0 down. This was then a difficult challenge to get back into the game against the third-placed team but Hethersett started to battle back well. B Lacey was working hard up front and Luke was very effective on the left. But as they were against the wind it was always going to be a difficult half. With Kieran, Ben K and Ryan defending well they held on well and knew it would be a different game second half. With the wind at their backs in the second half Hethersett were a lot more prominent. Midway through the second half Max floated a lovely ball in and Aiden just missed the target. Luke and Aiden were getting down the wings well and Oli had a couple of half-chances but nothing would fall for them. Sprowston always looked dangerous on the break and came close to extending their lead on three occasions from corners. With three minutes left Oli and Ben L linked up and with just the keeper to beat but he made a good save. Final score: 1-0.

Wymondham Town U9 had a tough game at Hillside and recorded their first defeat of the year. The first half saw the home team take the lead with two early goals. Despite long periods of play, and some good attacking movement, Wymondham were unable to respond. The second half saw an excellent performance in goal by Max Taylor who kept the score respectable as Wymondham pushed for goals. James Carter, Euan Stevenson and Joe Mower came close and some good wide play by Michael Russell caused problems for the home team without getting the deserved breakthrough.

WYMONDHAM TOWN U10 entertained Dereham for the second time in two weeks. Town took the lead when Henry Metcalf followed in a shot from Bryn Mullen that the keeper palmed out and finished smartly. Town continued to dominate and added a second when the impressive Lewis Thurston played a lovely one-two with Henry and slotted confidently past the keeper. Luke Hunt, Sonny Clarke and Charlie Gavin looked solid at the back and were not giving the Dereham strikers a look in. Just before half-time Henry diverted a Lewis shot past the keeper for 3-0. Curtis Bell was working hard up front and soon the fourth was added when Henry cut inside a defender drove a shot against the crossbar that bounced out and was well finished by Bryn. Jacob Bush cut inside and smashed a lovely shot that was well saved and then the fifth was added when Lewis beautifully shot into the bottom corner from outside the box. Connor Milligan had very little to do but when he did he was assured and kept a clean sheet for the third week running. Wymondham Town MoM: Lewis Thurston. Opposition MoM: Bryn Mullen.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U10 met Hillside in a tough home fixture. United’s midfielders Karin and Daniel made timely clearances. Hillside took their next chance well to go 1-0 up, but they hit back when, following neat play by Christy and Daniel, Will F’s shot was saved. They then saw his rasping shot shave a post. Keeper Ollie scrambled another Hillside effort away, but Daniel then had a cracking effort for them tipped over. From the corner Will F found Daniel, who neatly turned it in 1-1. Good defending by Jack B and Jack C kept Hillside at bay until just before half-time, when a throw-in wasn’t cleared and they made it 2-1. Hillside went 3-1 up and a great Ollie save prevented another. Christy, with a determined run down the left, nearly found Will F but their chances were limited. The visitors added two more from corners to make it 5-1. Subs Will C and Massimo hounded Hillside into mistakes and nearly pulled one back, after good work by Will C, Will F and Karin. However, Hillside scored a sixth right on the whistle. Final score: 6-1 Hillside. The score did not truly reflect a battling team display. MoM: Daniel Watson. An outstanding, energetic midfield performance.

Wymondham Town United U13 played Costessey in an entertaining match. Callum made an excellent last-ditch tackle early on and Nathan’s first effort went just wide but Costessey took the lead with a good angled strike. WTU’s battling efforts were rewarded as first Nathan used strength, speed with good skill to fend off a defender, round the keeper and slot his effort home. Then Tom F blasted home from close range as Luke L’s initial cross/shot struck a post. Costessey replied just before the break to level. James made a fine penalty save and then Luke L put the home side ahead again with a neat close-range finish after Nathan’s original shot was blocked. Costessey once again equalised before Matt C made a great goal-line clearance for Wymondham. Nathan then guided a near-post effort into the net from an excellent cross by Henry to make the score 4-3. With seconds remaining WTU were unable to clear their lines from a corner and a Costessey player made it 4-4. PoM: Nathan for two great strikes and improved striker support play.