Wymondham area notes

HETHERSETT U16 visited Morley in the league and came away with a 4-1 victory. Morley scored first but Hethersett woke up and started to improve. Morley continued with a good passing game but Hethersett got on top with two goals from Darren Ford, one from Jonathan Bailey and an unfortunate own goal.

HETHERSETT U15 were involved in a rather bad-tempered game at home to Norman and went down 5-2. With only 11 players, Hethersett put in a rather ill-disciplined performance with midfielders pushing forward and then ambling back. This proved costly and by half-time they were 3-1 down. Hethersett's shape improved but their commitment was still lacking. Josh Wilcox scored both of Hethersett's goals. MoM: Alex Richardson for his dogged determination and effort despite playing out of position at right-back.

HETHERSET U14 visited Norwich United and went down 2-1. The team was hit by illness and struggled with fitness and their opponents adapted much better to the dry, hard conditions.

HETHERSETT U13 had a close encounter with Norwich United but went down 2-0. Hethersett played some good football in the opening 20 minutes, but Norman scored to take a half-time lead. Hethersett continued to push forward but were unable to find an equaliser and Norman added a second late on. Denny, Lemmon, Reed, Walker and O'Carroll all had good games.

HETHERSETT U12 hit winning form to beat Hellesdon 3-1 with Ashley Gray scoring twice and Adam Julian once.

HETHERSETT U11 were without a league game and so took on B Division side Costessey in a friendly and won 8-0. Hethersett started very brightly and were on the attack from the start. They kept attacking throughout the first half and went into the break six goals up. The central defensive partnership of Jayden Brooker and Bradley Tillett quickly snuffed out any threat from the Costessey strikers and on the one occasion when Costessey did get through, Hethersett 'keeper Fin Smith, who was making his goalkeeping debut, was alert. Hethersett made a number of changes in the second half to experiment with the team and scored two further goals. The match was played in good spirit by both teams. It was a very good all-round team performance with goals coming from Ross Simpson (2), Harry Jones (2) and MoM Harry Denny who hit the back of the net four times. Hethersett should have hit double figures but were very pleased with the result. Jayden Brooker was outstanding in defence and other players that deserve a mention are Joseph Sparkes and Charlie Frazer.

HETHERSETT ATHLETIC U10 were under pressure from the start in their league cup match at Wymondham. Hethersett were chasing shadows as Wymondham passed the ball well and took an unassailable 5-0 half-time lead. Hethersett made a number of changes at half-time and looked a different side. They were desperately unlucky with a shot that hit a post. Wymondham added one further goal to make it 6-0.

HETHERSETT ATHLETIC U9 had a double header when they took on Sprowston and Blofield. They went down 5-1 against a strong Sprowston side with their goal coming from Luke Richards. They then beat Blofield 2-1 thanks to two goals from Ben Lacey.

ATTLEBOROUGH U14 were away to Hockering and the game got off to a good start with lots of action for both sides, coming from the midfield, but with no goals until minutes before half-time when Curtis Bolton laid in a cross from the edge of the box for James Haylock to calmly side foot into the bottom corner. The second half got under way and within five minutes Boro had a corner which Bolton headed towards goal beating the keeper, only for it to be batted off the line by the hand of a Hockering defender. Red card for the defender and a penalty which Curtis neatly put away for 2-0. Unfortunately the game went downhill from there with 10-man Hockering being prepared to go to any lengths to break Boro down. Bolton put another good shot into the back of the net to make it 3-1 before Hockering chipped Boro's Ben Moore in goal to make it 3-2. Jordan Sacharczuk received the MoM award for a sterling effort holding the back line together. A great effort from the whole team with too many names to mention. This result turned around last year's 11-2 defeat. Boro now sit in fifth position.

ATTLEBOROUGH TOWN U10 played a double fixture away at Sprowston. First game saw Boro play the hosts and the first few minutes indicated an even game. However, the Blues soon kicked into gear and the passing play flowed. After an opening goal from Alfie and a second disallowed, the goals came thick and fast, with Ricky (2), Alfie (2), Jordan and Liam notching up. A fine display of football from all resulted in Attleborough winning comfortably 6-0. In the second fixture, Boro grew a little complacent against Firside and did not perform to the same standard, with less drive, thought and composure. Jordan managed to slot home to open the scoring, but a frustrating game followed, made worse by Firside being awarded an extremely dubious penalty. This was duly converted for 1-1.

ATTLEBOROUGH TOWN U10 drew Scole away in the first round of the cup. Scole were undefeated this season, so a tough game was expected. With both teams so evenly matched, a great battle ensued but with great defending from Liam and Pezza and the opposition defence, the game neared the end even. Seconds from the end, Boro were awarded a corner. Alfie floated a beautiful ball in and big Euey thundered a header almost through the opposition net to rapturous applause. A fine display of hard work, commitment and great football from all players saw Attleborough through to the next round.

HETHERSETT U9 played two matches last Sunday. The first game was aganst a very good Sprowston side who played good football and beat Hethersett 5-1. The first 10 minutes saw a good midfield battle, with Cameron, Aiden and Luke battling well and Ryan making two outstanding saves. Sprowston then made a breakthrough with a good free kick. Hethersett fought back and Ben L was unlucky not to equalise with a couple of half-chances. Sprowston then scored a second when the ball went through a pack of players into the bottom corner. In the second half Hethersett started to get on top and Luke R went through and scored a well-deserved goal. Although Sprowston had more of the possession, with Aiden and Luke's pace Hethersett were always capable of getting an equaliser. With 10 minutes to go, Sprowston got the decisive goal and then went on to score two more, despite some excellent goalkeeping from Ryan. Hethersett U9 beat Blofield 2-1. For their second game, Hethersett changed their formation slightly and played a more attacking game. Ben L and Aiden linked well up front, with Dan and Luke adding width. For the first five minutes Hethersett were on top, with Aiden's pace causing problems for Blofield. The breakthrough came when Max threaded a lovely pass through to Ben L, who put the ball away. Blofield then started to come into the game but Hethersett held on to their 1-0 lead at half-time. In the second half Andrew came on and again and Hethersett created more chances. Aiden found Ben L with a pass and Ben made it 2-0. Blofield again came back into the game and scored. The last five minutes were end to end, but with Luke, Max and Daniel playing well in midfield and Ben and Andrew holding firm at the back, Hethersett held on to win 2-1.

HETHERSETT U10 lost to visitors Wymondham 6-0. They were under pressure from the start against a good, well-organised Wymondham side. Hethersett were chasing shadows as Wymondham passed the ball well in the first half and Hethersett found themselves 5-0 down at half-time. After a few changes at half-time, which included putting Taylor Morris in goal and bringing James on for Fredi, Hethersett looked a different side, winning tackles and pressing forward, with Oli and Liam making some good runs. Liam hit a post and Aaron was unlucky as the ball ran away from him for the goalkeeper to collect. Harrison, Josh and James put in some fine tackles to stop Wymondham from scoring. Taylor pulled off some good saves, but Wymondham scored one more to make the final score 6-0.

WYMONDHAM Town Utd Lizards U9 were on the road again this week, destination unbeaten Lakenheath. After the previous week's demolition of Mulbarton it was going to be interesting to see if the team was going to be able to continue in the same way in this tricky fixture. Town started strongly again and Henry Metcalf broke clear of the Lakenheath defence to coolly slot past their keeper, 1-0 Town. Jacob Bush then immediately slid a pass through for Henry to go clear again and in fine style he crashed another into the top corner. Henry then proceeded to knock in a couple more and to complete his nap hand he converted a great cross from Sonny Clarke with a cheeky back heel. Half time 5-0 Town. The second half started with Town again on the front foot and Curtis Bell converted at the second attempt after the impressive Lakenheath keeper had saved his first shot. Curtis then did the identical thing for number seven, great composure both times after the initial shots were saved. Sonny was at his best, winning everything in midfield, dominating play and adding two fine finishes to his assists to cap a brilliant display. Jacob Bush, who also put in a fine performance, got his name on the score sheet with a typical thunderbolt strike. Luke Hunt put in another competent captain's display from the back and Jamie Blanchflower was again commanding in defence, offering brilliant protection along with Rebecca Greenslade to stand-in keeper Charlie Gavin who was fantastic when called upon and very unlucky to concede at the death. Charlie's ability to go between the sticks is invaluable to his team and he has impressed the management team no end this season in and out of goal. Lakenheath 1, Wymondham 10. MoM: Sonny Clarke. Opposition MoM: Henry Metcalf.

MULBARTON U16B played Horsford and both teams made a steady start. Horsford were passing well and were the first to score. Mulbarton replied with a great dribble and finish from Ben G. The Wanderers then pushed on and took the lead with Adam W netting from a great strike from outside the box. More attacking led to Ben B going close but a defensive error saw Horsford equalise just before half-time. The second period proved to be more of a scrappy affair as both teams struggled to find any rhythm. Horsford then took the lead and despite a strong finish from Mulbarton they could not get an equaliser. Final score: 3-2 to Horsford. MoM: Tom K and Jim D.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U12 lost to visitors Rocklands 8-0. Rocklands quickly set about their task and created pressure on the Wymondham back line where a good cross and header initially bounced off the crossbar and a driven shot from the rebound gave Rocklands an early lead. For a period of time Wymondham gained better possession and an equal share of territory, but they were unable to create any clear-cut chances, whilst defensive errors allowed Rocklands to gain a 4-0 half-time advantage. Much of the second half was a replication of the first, with both Tom F and Chris once again producing good performances, but Rocklands scored four further goals to gain a deserved 8-0 victory. The Wymondham players continued to try to the end of the match, which demonstrates their great team spirit. POM: Tom F and Chris for effort and endeavour.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U10 welcomed last year's league champions Old Catton to Kett's Park and quickly slipped into their passing game. After a lively start with Wymondham marginally on top, Old Catton took the lead with a long speculative shot which beat Anthony in goal. For a while Wymondham resisted further pressure through good strong defending by Jake and Joe B but gradually got their shape back and pushed on, with Luke and Joe A in midfield supporting Marland and Anthony well up front. They were rewarded with an equaliser from a fabulous long-range volley from Anthony A which sailed over the opposition keeper's head. In the second half Wymondham continued to play well and had a number of half-chances which they could not convert. Old Catton looked threatening on the break, getting forward in numbers and drawing several excellent saves from Anthony. They duly scored the winner, poked in at the near post after a run through the defence. An excellent display from Wymondham, in a game they were unlucky to lose 2-1. MoM: Marland.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U10 played Mulbarton for the second time this season, having narrowly lost in the final of the recent MacDonald's Tournament. Against a well-organised and physical team Wymondham were again holding their shape and playing well, with plenty of movement up front, and solid defending at the back from Joe B and Jake and then Sam. Joe A battled hard in left midfield, contesting every ball, with Luke probing for an opening. In an even game, Wymondham built up the pressure and Anthony showed excellent handling from a number of Mulbarton shots. Good attacking play from Wymondham threatened repeatedly as they peppered the Mulbarton goal from distance with clear chances few and far between. Despite Wymondham's best efforts and a period of pressure at the end, Mulbarton escaped with a 0-0 draw after a good game of football from both sides. Final score: 0-0. MoM: Joe B.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U10 took on Hethersett in the first round of the cup on a sunny day at Mulbarton. United took the game to Hethersett from the kick-off with George Lenihan, playing on his birthday, making strong running down the left-hand side to feed several crosses and corners into the Mulbarton penalty area. The pressure paid off early when Marland Barsby converted a goalmouth scramble from a Lenihan cross. The second followed minutes later when Captain Jo Andrews crossed from the left, Marland Barsby flicked the ball on with a header to Anthony Animba who finished low into the left-hand corner to open the scoring for Wymondham. The wide pitch gave Wymondham the opportunity to play their passing game and some very encouraging play from the attacking line-up of United proved difficult for the Hethersett defence to contain. Some well-worked approach play gave George the opportunity to fire in a trademark left-footed thunderbolt that the Hethersett keeper could only parry - the ball spilled into the path of Marland who made it 3-0 to Wymondham. At the other end Sam Goldsmith and Jo Blaxall kept Hethersett at bay for most of the half. United made two substitutions, Jake for Sam and Tai for Marland. An unfortunate own goal from a Hethersett player made it 4-0. Tai showed off his dribbling ability by running around four players and finishing to make it 5-0. Hethersett saw a good effort rebound off the Wymondham near post from a tight angle just before half-time. The second half began with an early goal for Wymondham from a short goal kick. Anthony intercepted the defender's pass, beat the last defender and made a determined finish with an outstretched leg on a 50-50 ball with the keeper. Wymondham continued to pass the ball, keeper Anthony Walshe made a couple of saves from Hethersett to keep his sheet clean. Jo Andrews put in another tireless captain's performance down the right-hand side giving Jake, Tai, Anthony and Marland opportunities that the Hethersett defence managed to contain. Sam Goldsmith, Jo Blaxall and Jake Locke covered the United half with some strong running and sensible passing. Final score: 6-0. MoM: Joe Andrews.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U9 had further home matches against Rocklands and Poringland in the Combination League. The first game, against Rocklands on a dry pitch, began cautiously for both teams. However, the visitors created the first chances but were denied by a good tackle from Lucas and a great block by Daniel in goal. William F. replied for Wymondham with two efforts after good work from Becca, Lewis and Christy in midfield but both went just wide. Another good move with Christy, William F. and Lewis combining well ended with a fine effort from Becca hitting the side netting. Goalless at half-time the game remained tight and Rocklands began to press further but were denied by good defending from Lucas and Jack B and alert goalkeeping from Daniel. Lucas then went on a trademark long run into Rocklands' half but was robbed just inside their box. After a good run by Lewis, sub Jack C shot just wide then another terrific shot from Lewis was tipped over. However, from a corner at the other end Daniel made a point-blank save to deny Rocklands. The last few minutes saw Rocklands pile on the pressure but some great tackles by Lucas and Jack B. saved the day for Wymondham. Final score: A well-earned 0-0 draw. Man-of-the-match: Jack B, solid defending.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U9 then faced Poringland. Wymondham were the first to settle and Christy and Daniel combined on the left to feed Lewis whose quick shot forced a corner. Jack C then turned and shot but was just denied. Wymondham were gaining the upper hand and from another move from midfield involving Lewis and William F, Daniel just failed to convert. Wymondham continued to carve out chances in the second half. From a Becca throw-in Lewis' effort just grazed the post and seconds later William F fed Lewis who shot inches over. Poringland then hit back but Jack B. in goal managed to scramble the effort away. From Daniel's free kick, Lewis once again shot just too high and then forced the keeper into a fine save. Lucas, Christy and Daniel were denying Poringland any space and Wymondham continued to dominate. A great run by Lewis found sub William C whose terrific shot was saved by the keeper. Good play from Daniel to Becca led to a corner which Poringland just scrambled away. A fantastic team effort ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw. MoM: Daniel, tireless in midfield.

WYMONDHAM U11 played Lakeford away at Eaton Park on Sunday and lost 6-1. Early on it was quite even but Lakeford then started break through the Wymondham defence and went a goal in front after five minutes. The pressure on the Wymondham defence increased and keeper Jacob Mitchell made a couple of spectacular saves to keep the Lakeford shots out. Wymondham's Ben Carding equalised after 10 minutes, getting onto a throw-in and shooting to beat the Lakeford keeper. In the closing minutes of the first half Lakeford scored again to go in 2-1 up at half-time. The second half was very difficult for Wymondham, although Joe Greenslade, Craig Attewell and James Kerry all had shots on the Lakeford goal, but Lakeford increased the pressure and scored a further four goals. Although all the Wymondham players worked hard, this wasn't the team's best performance.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U14 were up for the challenge against unbeaten, top-of-the-league Fakenham. Immediately as the game started Craig Woolrich had to make a fine save when Fakenham battled hard and tried to get the first goal of the game. Wymondham's break came when Nic Parker raced the ball down the win with skills and a perfect cross in the box connected with Ashley Black's head to score the opening goal. Fakenham fought back to equalise with a class dummy past the keeper. Not long before the half-time whistle Fakenham went 2-1 up following a huge goal kick. The second half started pretty flat but soon there was plenty of action at both ends. Nic Parker was so close to make the game a draw but the ball just went over the cross bar. The game finished and Fakenham won 2-1. MoM: Craig for some brilliant dives and saves. Wymondham manager, Jon said: “A fantastic game, great effort from everyone and a delight to watch.”