![]() Hethersett
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A National FA Community Charter Club 2009/2010 Under-14 Girls
APPEARANCES/GOAL
TEAMS/REPORTS Sept 12th Hethersett 2 Norwich 6 Hethersett entertained Norwich in a difficult start to the girls’ first season at 9-a-side level. Things got off to a disastrous start, with Norwich scoring two lucky early goals. Each time a long ball forward reached the Hethersett box, Hethersett keeper Louise got to the ball first, making clean contact with her kick, and each time the ball struck the onrushing Norwich striker and bounced into the goal. A third arrived shortly after, when a corner wasn’t properly cleared and a shot from the edge of the area found the net. Norwich continued to pressure throughout the half, and created two more goals to lead 5-0 at half-time.
TEAM: Louise Pritchett, Sophie Cooke, Connie Canning, Ella Stephenson, Lisa Miners, Letitia Dye, Beth Evans, Sophie Rock, Adelaide Mott, Nancy Bussey, Erica Hall
Sept 19th Blofield 3 Hethersett 1
Hethersett ended up at the wrong end of a
3 -1 scoreline despite a very encouraging and spirited display.
Louise immediately showed she was
adjusting to the challenge of bigger goals and goal area, by taking
early command and handling several early attacks from the home side
well, working off the 6 yard line to gather the ball.
HAFC started the game brightly, having
most of the possession in a well fought opening 35 mins, however
were unable to turn this into goals, due to some solid defending by
their opponents. Mid way through the half Blofield broke
away and capitalised on a mix up at the back to take the lead 1 -
0.
The away side responded well, showing some
great teamwork and went close on several occasions with Rocky and
Ella both close to scoring. Just as an equaliser was looking
likely Blofield scored their second, a well hit shot from
the half way line which squeezed under the bar and into the net. Despite picking
up a couple of injuries HAFC continued to play good football and
got their just deserts with a well taken goal following good passes
through the middle from Sophie and Lisa. 2 -1 with 8 minutes to
the break.
2nd half, HAFC continued where they left
off with Rocky hitting a shot against the bar from the edge of
the area. Ella and Erica ran tirelessly looking to create opportunties
down the wings, with Rhiannon showing some deft touches which put
players through on several occassions. Defensively there was some good
solid defending from both Nancy and Connie and it seemed an injustice
when Blofield got their third from a well taken corner, which squeezed
in at the far post.
Hethersett continued to work hard with the
midfield pressing and pushing, Titch nearly breaking through on
several occasions and Ella causing the home side real problems on the
right wing. Sadly the goals perhaps deserved never came but
there was much to be positive about, a few things to work on but the
girls certainly showed they have every reason to be confident of
picking up there first '9 a side' win next game.
TEAM: Louise Pritchett, Constance Canning, Nancy Bussey, Ella Stephenson, Lisa Miners, Sophie Cooke, Erica Hall. Sophie Rock, Letitia Dye, Riannon McKibbon Sept 26th Hethersett 2 Red Rose 1
Hethersett deservedly notched up their
first win of the season, putting on a display of good passing
football and bringing to life the work they had done at training in
the week. It would have been a more emphatic victory but
for a very dogged defensive performance from Red Rose, who battled
hard throughout.
Whilst Hethersett started a little
tentatively they soon got into their rhythm creating several early
chances, but unable to find the net. Despite the Oranges
looking much the more likely team to score, Red Rose won
possession in the midfield and their striker broke through to
slot the ball home 13 minute into the game.
Hethersett continued to dominate
possession, with Ella, Rocky and Leah all going close following
continual good work from Cookie, Lisa and Beth (who was outstanding
throughout the game). Rhiannon showed some clever touches on
the left to play Lisa in. Ella, ever active on the right wing,
looked to have scored the equaliser getting on the end of
a great cross, but frustratingly the ball went 6 inches over
the bar just before half time.
Defensively Hethersett played well,
Nancy and Beth starting to use the offside rule to their advantage,
stepping up on more than one occasion to catch the opposition out, and Emma
quick off her lines to gather the ball on the edge of the area.
In the second half
Hethersett were quick off the blocks with Rocky hitting the bar from
the edge of the area. The oranges created lots of goalmouth action
throughout the half, several shots going close, and the Red Rose
keeper doing her best to spoil the home side's day. Adelaide
worked tirelessly on the left wing and Catherine showed some
really stout defending releasing some good passes down the right
wing to Ella. The equaliser came from Ella, a twist and a superb rocket
high into the back of the net. Persistant pressure from HAFC led
to the inevitable winner, a Rockie screamer with about 10 minutes
remaining, after a mix up in the box.
Red Rose to their credit, kept battling
and could have snatched an equaliser with 2 minutes to go but that
would have been very unfair on HAFC Girls, who thoroughly
deserved the points for a solid team performance.
TEAM: Emma Bunn, Nancy Bussey, Beth Evans, Riannon McKibbon, Sophie Cooke, Lisa Miners, Ella Stephenson, Sophie Rock, Erica Hall, Adelaide Mott, Catherine Burton Oct 3rd Hethersett 3 Aylsham 2
Hethersett notched up their second victory of the season with
every single girl playing their part throughout the match.
With several players unavailable, and keeper Emma ill, Beth took
the goalkeeper's jersey in the first half making some excellent
saves to keep HAFC in the game early on.
2 goals from Rocky ( one a rare header after a pinpoint cross from
Ella) and then a superb strike from a very narrow angle from Ella
meant the home side went in 3 - 1 up. Aylsham's goal came
half way through the first half cancelling out HAFC's early
lead.
2nd half Rocky took the goalie's jersey from Beth who then went
into defence. Aylsham snatched an equaliser despite HAFC having
the better of the possession and playing some great passing
football.... 3 - 2. The last 10 minutes of the game saw
Aylsham pressing strongly for an equaliser, but every Hethersett
player gave their all in defending their lead resulting in
the win they deserved.
There were too many good performances to mention by name but
everyone should be proud of the way they played and with 2
back to back victories it looks like HAFC U14 girls are back to
their winning ways!
TEAM: Adelaide Mott, Lisa Miners, Beth Evans, Rhiannon McKibbon, Sophie Rock, Letitia Dye, Sophie Cooke, Ella Stephenson, Catherine Burton, Erica Hall October 11th Spixworth 2 Hethersett 4
HAFC extended their winning run to 3 games with
another display of good flowing football that prompted the
opposition's manager to say it 'was the best display of passing
football he had seen from any team in this league'!
Using the advantage of a downward slope HAFC constantly
took the game to the opposition with wave after wave of
attack. An early breakthrough after 5 minutes following
good work from Beth and Erica on the left with Rocky
slotting the ball neatly into the net. 0 - 1.
Despite dominating possession, the girls had to wait 24 minutes
before they got a thoroughly deserved second, and in between,
Emma, proving a solid pair of hands in goal, had to make a
superb save low to her right to deny Spixworth. Following, Rocky
and Rhiannon chased down a long pass to force a corner. Lisa
superbly crossed the ball in tight and low and predator Ella
swooped to tap in the second from 3 yards out. 0 - 2.
A third followed soon after, 33 minutes, starting with Erica winning
the ball at the back, passing to Lisa, who sent a perfectly weighted
through ball for Rocky to pick up and take round the keeper... 0 -
3, and no less than a great first half performance deserved!
2nd half - Spixworth started brightly and forced 2 early
corners. Now playing uphill it was clear Hethersett were
going to have to defend resolutely and look to catch
the opposition on the break, which they did cleverly after 5
minutes with Ella putting Rocky through but the shot went just
over the bar. Soon after Rocky crossed the ball to Rhiannon
(who arguably had her best game for the club...up front!), who
controlled the ball and was denied by a good save.
HAFC finally got their fourth with 5 minutes to go when Erica
combined with Rhiannon to release Ella, who coolly put the ball
away for her second... 0 - 4.
Cookie (playing a central defense and midfield role),
Beth and Catherine were outstanding in defence throughout the
game - all 3 seeming to cover every blade of the pitch with
the whole team working for eachother. It was therefore
a little harsh when Spixworth grabbed 2 goals in the last 3
minutes, one a long range effort from the half way line and one
a well taken goal from a long ball down the middle ... the home
side deserved something for their efforts in
contributing to a good game of football, but this
didn't detract from a well earned victory for 'the GIRLS' ... 3
off the trott ... ' HOORAH and well done!!'
TEAM: Emma Bunn, Beth Evans, Erica Hall, Sophie Rock, Rhiannon McKibbon, Sophie Cooke, Catherine Burton, Lisa Miners, Ella Stephenson October 24th Norwich City 5 Hethersett 4
Probably one of Hethersett's best ever footballing performances
ended in a gutting defeat with just minutes to go.
HAFC started well but gave Norwich the 'customary' early
lead with 5 minutes of the start, a well worked goal which
left Emma the goalie with no chance, 1 0 to the home
side.
This however proved the catalyst for Hethersett who then went on
to deliver a first half to be proud of... excellent passing
football which brushed the opposition aside and saw Rocky bag a
hatrick, each goal a culmination of some excellent team play,
involving several players, and top class finishing ... Norwich
could just look on! Connie, Nancy and Beth were tireless in
defence, Cookie and Ella awesome in midfield and Lisa /
Titch constantly challenging and linking play up and down the
pitch. Ella put the icing on the cake scoring from a
narrow angle following through on her first effort which was
deflected across to the edge of the area. A thoroughly deserved
4 2 lead.
The girls started brightly in the second half, and it was
good to welcome Louise back into the team following several
weeks absence. Adelaide took on the 'poker' role and Hethersett
continued to look in control, going close to scoring a 5th on
three occasions, before the cruel blow of an own goal which
lifted Norwich hearts, following and unstoppable corner. The
Hethersett defence did well to intercept the cross, however
the clearance crept just inside the far post and Norwich were
back the game.
Norwich then really stepped up the pressure, forcing HAFC on to
the back foot, and despite our girls giving everything Norwich forced an equaliser
pouncing on a defensive error. To Hethersett's credit they
bounced back again and continued to play good football,
challenging hard, Emma making a couple of 'top class'
saves, and the team still creating some chances. This made
it all the harder to take when Norwich scored their winner
with 7 minutes to go, a good come back for home side. Despite
the introduction of Erica, Hethersett were unable to find
the equaliser.
The girls should take great heart from the fact that the have
now taken the game to Norwich on each of the last 3 games
at their place, this time giving them a huge shock by
half time! The mind set has changed, they are not
comfortable playing us ... we like playing them ... all
we have to do next time is 'boss' the game for both
halves. It WILL happen. A performance to be proud of!!
TEAM - Emma Bunn, Connie Canning, Beth Evans, Nancy Bussey, Sophie Cooke, Lisa Miners, Sophie Rock, Louise Pritchard, Ella Stephenson, Letitia Dye, Erica Hall, Adelaide Mott. November 7th Red Rose 0 Hethersett 5
The day started well with a surprise appearance from Dani
Homer, who came to cheer her team mates despite her long term
injury ... great to see you Dani...and welcome any time!
Spirits were also high as it was also Beth's birthday -
the team duly celebrated with a birthday cake... and a
convincing 5 0 win to put the icing on it!
Hethersett completely controlled the opening half from the
first whistle, with some fine passing football
culminating in Rocky seizing on a through ball
down the middle, after good work from Lisa and Beth to
slot coolly past the keeper after 7 minutes. Further
pressure led to a second for Rocky on 18 minutes from a well
worked corner between Adelaide and Cookie, with Rocky turning
the resultant cross into the net.
With the girls continuing to impress, and Erica hassling the
Red Rose defenders in the box to win possession, the 3rd
goal came ... this time Ella being the first to respond to a
Rocky shot parried well by the keeper, putting it in at the
far post. Sophie Rock's hatrick, a long shot just before half
time, was just reward for the girls great teamwork giving
them a 4 0 lead at half time.
Red Rose raised their game second half, and HAFC had to battle hard.
Catherine, Beth and Connie had to be at their most alert to
smother a wave of Red Rose attacks midway through the half.
The 5th goal eventually came as Ella controlled a through
ball from Connie, showed us her 'silky' skills and then a
crisp finish into the back of the net. Rhiannon soon after
went close off the back of a good cross from the right.
5 0 - a fair reflection of a game where, once again,
every single girl had played their part in a victory that also
saw Louise and Emma keep a clean sheet- well done
goalies.
Team : Emma Bunn, Lousie Pritchett, Beth Evans, Connie Canning, Sophie Cooke, Adelaide Mott, Lisa Miners, Ella Stephenson, Sophie Rock, Erica Hall, Rhiannon McKibben, Catherine Burton. November 14th Aylsham 0 Hethersett 4
The girls were in action away at Aylsham on a beautiful
tropical (not!) morning in what promised to be a close
fought encounter. At the start of play Aylsham were 2nd in
the league and had only lost 3-2 in the previous meeting
with Hethersett.
Hethersett started brightly despite the conditions & applied constant pressure in all areas of the field. Cookie had an excellent shot that went narrowly wide. Hethersett continued to press with Ella, Rocky & Lisa having attempts on goal. Beth & Connie worked tirelessly in defence to snuff out any Aylsham counter attacks & Emma made an excellent save & good clearance kicks when called upon. After numerous attacks & corners, the girls were rewarded. Ella lobbed a ball into the penalty area that Rocky chased down & scored with a nice left foot shot. Great 'hustle' goal as the goalie looked like she would get there first. Aylsham came back into the game & had a goal disallowed for offside but the girls defended well as a team and had a deserved lead at halftime. Aylsham started the second half very brightly but were unable to create any clear cut chances and looked vulnerable when Hethersett counter attacked. Gradually the girls began to push Aylsham back and Ella and Rocky both had shots blocked. Aylsham failed to clear a corner properly and Beth scored with a long range effort that the Aylsham goalie could not handle. The girls continued to push forward & created numerous chances. Adelaide scored the 3rd goal with a smartly taken corner that Aylsham could only divert into their own net. Aylsham did persevere but the defence & Louise in goal snuffed out any attacking opportunities that they created. The 4th goal was scored in the last minute & showed "Hethersett football' at its very best with no Aylsham player getting anywhere near the ball. Lisa hit a long through ball between two defenders from within her own half to Adelaide, who nudged it out to Rocky on the left wing. Rocky beat a defender and crossed it into the middle where 3 players were waiting to finish. The ball fell to Lisa who hammered it into the net. All in all an excellent performance from everyone. Another clean sheet and 4 goals scored against a really good team. What should have been a tough encounter was made to look very comfortable in the end. TEAM - Emma Bunn, Louise Pritchet, Connie Canning, Beth Evans, Nancy Bussey, Catherine Burton, Sophie Cooke, Lisa Miners, Sophie Rock, Adelaide Mott, Ella Stephenson, Erica Hall.
November 22nd Norwich City 7 Hethersett 2 This was a day Norwich put in a very strong performance and HAFC never really managed to get into the game or meet the standards of football we are used to seeing.
Hethersett started brightly enough with several early
attacks before Norwich took the lead with a clinical
finish from the right wing. Hethersett continued to
compete and were a little unlucky to find themselves 2 0
down towards the end of a first half that saw some very
good football played by both sides.
Norwich stepped up the pace at the start of the second
half, and went 3 up with a superb strike from distance,
sailing just under the bar and into the net. HAFC kept
picking themselves up but, despite a lot of effort from
the girls, they never really got into their stride and it
wasn't long before Norwich had their 4th.
Hethersett got some reward for their efforts when Lisa put
the ball into the net from close range after a free
flowing move - 4 1. Their celebrations were short
lived however when Norwich scored their 5th following a
powerful move through the midfield.
Hethersett refused to give up and scored their second when
Lisa turned provider putting in a great cross from the
corner for Ella to put in from 2 yards - 5 2.
2 more goals for Norwich followed in the closing minutes
confirming a heavy defeat for the girls.
A day when Norwich were at their best, scoring some
excellent goals, and Hethersett didn't really do
themselves justice ... well beaten by the better
team. However, normal service to be resumed next week ...
heads up girls!!
Team : Emma Bunn, Louise Pritchett, Connie Canning, Beth Evans, Sophie Cooke, Sophie Rock, Ella Stephenson, Lisa Miners, Erica Hall, Letitia Dye, Rhiannon McKibben. November 29th Hethersett 14 Spixworth 1
Squad : Louise Pritchett, Connie
Canning, Beth Evans, Dani Homer, Sophie Cooke, Sophie
Rock, Lisa Miners, Ella Stephenson, Rhiannon McKibben,
Erica Hall.
What a difference a week makes! HAFC girls notched up
their most emphatic win of the season with 70 minutes of
great, passing football.
Hethersett took an early lead when Rocky crossed in
from the left and Ella slotted the ball neatly in at the
far post, and shortly after made it 2 0 when Rocky
claimed her first after good work and a pass from
Lisa. Just as the home side looked to be
completely on top Spixworth pounced on a loose pass to
put the ball in the net from distance... 2 1, and for a
few minutes they found themselves back in the game and
caused Hethersett a couple of early scares.
15 minutes in, however, the nerves were settled
following an excellent tackle by Ella who then ran
through to fire low into the net... 3 1. From then on it
was pretty much one way traffic, with Ella and Rocky combining
after good work from the midfield and Rocky getting
her second. Sophie's hatrick came soon after
after another good intervention by Ella allowing
her strike partner to put in from 4 yards... 5 1 and
a 'historic milestone' ... Rocky - the first girl
to score 100 goals for the club ... WELL DONE ROCKY!!!
With Cookie, Lisa and Erica working like
trojans in midfield to win the ball, Ella and Rocky
were able to run riot up front and soon combined
again with Rocky shooting high into the net from 12
yards - a lovely goal, followed swiftly by a low shot
past the keeper taking the score to 7 1.
The back line of Connie, Ella and Rhiannon played almost
faultlessly, letting very little through and on
the occasion when Spixworth found an opportunity, Louise
dealt with everything calmly, and collectedly. Lisa then
showed her dribbling skills to run past 3 defenders and
shot into the keepers hands just before Ella sent
a ball over the top from the half way line to
Rocky who ran past 2 defenders and rifled a shot
past the keeper. 8 1 at half time.
Much the same in the second half with Dani
making her first appearance of the season in defence and
Rhiannon moving up front. All of the girls continued to
play flowing football from back to front and '9'
went up on the board when Cookie passed out to
Ella on the wing, who crossed in from the right for Lisa
to extend her scoring run to 3 goals in 3
games. Lisa returned the complement after, by winning
the ball in the middle, made a short pass through to
Ella who then finished superbly finding the narrow gap
between the keeper and the post from 8 yards. 10 1.
It didn't stop there ... Rocky grabbed her 7th
taking the ball from Beth and past the keeper
(11-1), Beth then feeding from the left for
Ella to grab her 4th (12-1), and Rhiannon really
unlucky not to grab a goal, hitting the post from close
in. Lisa scored the 13th and her second of the game
after another good pass from Beth. 13 unlucky for some,
but not for HAFC as the captain put the icing on the
cake after another unselfish pass from Beth ...
Cookie scoring the 14th by slamming it joyously into the
net!
Big smiles all round, 14 goals, only 1 conceded (well
done Louise and her defence), and for every single
player a performance to be proud of.
December 5th Hethersett 4 Norwich City 4
Squad : Louise Pritchett, Connie Canning, Beth Evans,
Catherine Burton, Sophie Cooke, Sophie Rock, Ella
Stephenson, Rhainnon McKibben, Lisa Miners, Erica
Hall, Letitia Dye.
Another chapter in the 'healthy competition of
Hethersett AFC and Norwich City girls - and this
was certainly one of the best! Both sides started
brightly playing good flowing football, with
Hethersett creating the better of the early chances. A
little against the run of play Norwich took the lead
with a very good free kick from distance creeping
under the cross bar.
It would have been easy for the girls to let their
heads drop, but that is becoming a thing of the past
as they hit back immediately from kick off with the
ball going back to Beth who floated a superb pass over
the top to Ella who controlled the ball brilliantly to
score past the keeper... 1 1. Shortly after,
Ella hit the post following good work in the midfield
only for Norwich soon after to go 2 1 up with a
deflected shot that left Louise with no chance.
Half time - but HAFC were in no way down-hearted,
knowing they had played as well as any time this
season and once again they started strongly in the
second half, determined to boss the game. Erica, on
the wing, had her best ever game for the club
(we've said that 2 or 3 times this season...just keeps
getting better!), putting some good balls in for Rocky to
run on to from the middle. Cookie was 'putting it about'
and winning important balls in the middle with Titch getting
some deft touches in to release Lisa and Rocky. Cruel
as it then seemed, with Connie and Beth showcasing
some really tight defending throughout the game,
Norwich were awarded a free kick just outside the
area, and were soon 3 1 up through a
perfectly placed shot.
The girls ever growing character shone through however
and within minutes Ella had scored her second getting
on to a Rocky through ball.... 3 2. Norwich
refused to succumb to a Hethersett come back
though and scored through a long shot that Louise
was very unlucky not to keep out, following several
previous good saves... 4 2.
The home team kept playing their football, giving
Norwich a hard time and really unsettling them. Their
just reward came when Cookie went on a run through the
midfield, passing to Rocky whose shot was
parried by the keeper for Titch to slot in at the far
post... 4 3. The equaliser that was so deserved
came soon after with an absolutely exquisite finish
from Lisa , stroking the ball from just outside the
area and giving the keeper no chance.
Hethersett pressed for the winner although the game
finished 4 4, credit to both teams for an
excellent game, and to our girls for an outstanding
team performance that saw every single player
give their all... well done ladies ... happy
days!
December 12th Blofield 1 Hethersett 2
Squad : Louise Pritchett, Beth
Evans, Connie Canning, Sophie Cooke, Lisa Miners,
Ella Stephenson, Erica Hall, Sophie Rock, Catherine
Burton.
Hethersett signed off the pre-Christmas part of the
season with a hard fought victory over a good, solid
Blofield side.
The game started with Hethersett making the
early running, with Lisa putting Rocky through in
the second minute only for the keeper to
smother the ball. Hethersett then enjoyed the
lions share of possession for the next 10
minutes, with both Ella and Catherine having
goals ruled out for offside, a shame because
both were well taken.
Blofield them came back into the game and played
some lovely football, combining with sound
defending to take the initiative and dominated
the game for a 10 minute spell... but to HAFC's
credit they grabbed a goal against the run of
play when Ella put a cross in from the right for
Rocky to slot home from 3 yards. The girls then
started to create some good chances with several
quality through balls from both the midfield
and defence. 1 0 to the away side at
half time.
The second half started brightly with Rocky hitting
the bar early on and Lisa also running through only
for the keeper to thwart her attempt at goal. Blofield
again tested HAFC on several occasions, Louise, Beth
and Connie having to be at their most alert,
but Blofield got their just deserts with a well
worked equaliser. 1 1 and Hethersett
looking vulnerable. However the girls continued to
work hard on a day when things didn't quite go to
plan, Cookie and Lisa grafting in midfield trying to
gain the upper hand and eventually they
carved out a winning second goal after good
work from Erica and Lisa leaving Rocky to shoot and
Ella to swoop in and score at the far
post. 2 1.
A good result for the Oranges despite not playing
their best football, the sign of a good team when
they can still get a result by sheer hard work.
A nice way to enter the Christmas break.
January 23rd Spixworth 1 Hethersett 9
Squad : Louise Pritchett, Beth
Evans, Connie Canning, Sophie Cooke, Letitia Dye,
Ella Stephenson, Erica Hall, Dani Homer, Sophie
Rock, Adelaide Mott, Lisa Miners
HAFC returned from a long Christmas and New Year
break with an emphatic 9 - 1 away victory.
The first 10 minutes of the game were well
contested, with both sides creating chances and
both keepers being called into action. Titch, Lisa
and Ella slowly got control of the midfield with
Ella getting the breakthrough after a good
corner from Lisa shooting high into the net from
close range.
Adelaide soon made it 2 after good work from
the midfield putting the ball out to
Ella on the wing, who then crossed the ball in for
Adelaide to finish. Rocky then made it 3 running
from the half way line to put past the 'keeper
and then rounded of a solid first half with a
4th, and her second of the game following another
powerful cross from Ella. HT 4 0.
Spixworth found it hard to break through the
Hethersett defence, Beth and Connie keeping
things tight at the back, and on the odd occasion
they managed a shot Louise made at least 3
excellent saves. They did manage to grab 1 goal with
the ball creeping in at the far post. 4
1. Hethersett however increased their advantage
with Rocky seizing on to a Lisa through ball,
after some good work by Erica, to make it 5
and then Ella running through to score her second
of the game ... 6 1.
Spixworth rallied temporarily, but with
Cookie coming into the midfield and Dani
on to the left HAFC soon regained control. Ella
broke down the right after Cookie
won the ball in the middle, and struck the post
only for Adelaide to get her second from the
rebound. 7 1.
Lisa and Rocky then put the icing on he cake, both
scoring following goal mouth scrambles to complete
and very competent performance.
February 6th Hethersett 4 Blofield 1
Team - Louise Pritchett , Nancy Bussey, Letitia
Dye, Sophie Cooke, Lisa Miners, Ella Stephenson,
Erica Hall, Sophie Rock, Rhiannon McKibben, Catherine
Burton
After another two week lay off, HAFC got back to
work with a competent display against a
hardworking Blofield team, and it took just 8
minutes for the girls to take the lead, Titch
winning the ball with a strong tackle, Rocky pushing
it to Ella who slotted in from a narrow angle on
the right.
Blofield immediately responded with 2 flowing
moves, both scuppered by great
last minute tackles by Nancy, preventing certain
1 on 1s with the keeper. HAFC then regained
their composure with Cookie on a run, laying the
ball on the right to Ella who's low cross found
Rocky only to see her shot go just wide. Four
minutes later Cookie made a crunching
tackle to win the ball in the middle, took it
forward and then made a pin point through ball
for Rocky to latch on to, making it 2 0.
The home team then controlled the remainder of
the half with Louise handling well at the
back, Nancy and Titch doing a sterling job in
defence on the odd occasion when Blofield
attacked and Erica and Ella working hard to take
the play wide. Just before half time Cookie made
another interception and touched the ball to
Lisa who's shot was blocked and, with Catherine
nearly scoring in the following mix up in the
area, the ball rebounded back to Lisa who's
thunderous shot was saved by the keeper. The
half ended with Titch once again winning a solid
tackle at the back, passes between Rocky
and Ella, who then ran the length of the pitch
only to have her shot smothered by the keeper.
Blofield started the brighter in the second
half with Nancy and Titch twice having to be
alert at the back to close down attacks and
Blofield actually managed to get the ball
in the net only for the ref to blow for offside.
As Blofield continued to press, Louise had to be
at her best, twice coming off her line in
'one on one' situations to block at the
striker's feet. Blofield got reward for their 10
minute flurry when a long shot hit the bar and
they put the ball in the net, close in, from
the rebound.
HAFC seized some control back, having looked
visibly shaken, when a Louise goal kick found
Ella who glided past her marker to shoot in from
a really narrow angle on the right to take the
pressure off ... 3 1.
The midfield regained control. Cookie and
Lisa really stepping up the challenges,
Catherine, Erica / Rhiannin hassling Blofield
whenever they gained possession and Rocky
dropping deeper. 3 sweeping moves followed
from the home team involving most of the team from
back to front ... the final move ending
with an Ella and Rocky '1 : 2' and
Rocky putting into the net. 4 1.
There was still time for Louise to make an
outstanding block at the feet of a Blofield
attacker before the ref blew the final whistle.
A few nervous moments but overall a good,
controlled, hard working performance against
a disciplined Blofield side.
February 13th Aylsham 1 Hethersett 1 SQUAD : Louise Pritchett, Beth Evans, Connie Canning, Sophie Cooke, Ella Stephenson, Lisa Miners, Erica Hall, Rhiannon McKibben, Dani Homer, Adelaide Mott, Letitia Dye, Catherine Burton
Despite a display of determined and passing
football Hethersett were held to a draw,
having failed to convert a string of scoring
opportunities.
The game started brightly with Hethersett
enjoying most of the possession and creating 3
good opportunities in the first 5 minutes, only to see shots
go just wide and on one occassion the keeper
to make a good block. Lisa and Cookie
controlled midfield, Cookie making the tackles
and Lisa splaying some excellent passes to the
wings, allowing Erica and Ella to run down the
flanks and get some good crosses into the box.
Beth, enjoying a rare opportunity to play up
front and partnering Adelaide, went close
twice before Hethersett's only goal of the
game came on 8 minutes. A good interception from
Erica, a pass to Cookie who then played
Adelaide in from the left. Adelaide played the
ball to Beth who drew a good save from the
keeper only for Ella to pick up the parry and
slot the ball low into the net.
Hethersett continued to play good attacking
football, although Aylsham also played their
part, Connie and Titch having to
work hard to smother a number of counter
attacks between them. Once again Louise showed good
control of her area coming off her line
several times to gather the ball before
the strikers could get on the through balls.
Half time came soon after Dani had two
shots, one picked up by the keeper and
one just wide of the post - the away team
holding the lead 1 0. Aylsham
came out in the second half with renewed
vigour and bossed the midfield for 10 minutes,
Hethersett losing their shape a little, and
whilst HAFC still created most of the chances,
Aylsham started to show signs that they might
grab a goal.
Rhainnon and Catherine entered the fray,
one up front and one on the wing, both working
hard to win the ball and showing some good
touches. Despite their efforts however, 15
minutes from the end of the match Aylsham
broke through after a defensive mix up and
slotted home an equaliser, which although
cruel on the away team, gave Aylsham reward
for alot of hard work in the second half.
Hethersett responded and should have had what
looked a clear penalty when Titch shot from
just inside the area ony for a defender
to make an excellent 2 handed 'save' on behalf
of the keeper (!!!) to tip the ball on to the
bar - the ref and linesman stayed unmoved
and a goal kick was awarded.
Hethersett were left to reflect on a host of
missed opportunities as the game played out as
a draw, perhaps an unfair reflection on the
amount of effort and also the quality of their
football for the majority of the game.
March 6th Hethersett 3 Blofield 2
Squad : Louise Pritchett, Beth Evans, Connie
Canning, Erica Hall, Lisa Miners, Sophie
Cooke, Ella Stephenson, Dani Homer, Letitia
Dye, Rhiannon McKibben, Sophie Rock,
Adelaide Mott.
Hethersett started the game slowly, finding
it difficult to settle into their normal
rhythm and Blofield took a deserved early
lead when Louise blocked an early shot well
only for the Blofield striker to grab the
rebound putting it low into the net.
HAFC immediately counter attacked, Erica and
Ella pushing down the wings and Rocky, Ella
and Beth all went close - the Blofield
keeper making 3 good saves in the next 5
minutes, the final one leading to a
corner which Lisa floated into the box and
Beth latched onto, lobbing the keeper the
ball going high into the net. 1 1.
Blofield remained solid and enjoyed the
better of the half, working the Hethersett
midfield and defence hard, Beth looking
particularly strong throughout the game.
Dani however went close for the home side cleverly
half-volleying a good cross from Ella and
forcing the keeper into a save. The
girls defended deep and were often on the
back foot, Titch, Cookie and Lisa
having to help Connie and Beth at the back,
but Blofield went ahead for the
second time just before half time.
The second half started better with the Hethersett
midfield gaining control, Rhiannon
particularly impressive with her touches and
tackles on the left ... and Ella soon
made it two by chipping over the keeper
following good work from Cookie to win the
ball and a great pass from Lisa.
The game then opened up with end to end
football, the defence looking much more
solid and Louise controlling the area
well. The home side started to carve
out a good number chances, the Blofield
keeper doing well to block on a number of
occasions. Adelaide almost curled 2
successive shots in direct from a corner
only for the keeper to block at the near
post.
HAFC finally took the lead when Lisa knocked
the ball through to Rocky who turned and
shot clinically past the keeper 12 minutes
from the end. From then on the girls were in
control and the points were in the bag. Not
our best display but really pleasing how the
girls responded in the second half and
worked really hard to earn the win. .
March
27th
Norwich City
6 Hethersett
1
Squad : Louise Pritchett, Beth Evans,
Connie Canning, Lisa Miners, Letitia Dye,
Ella Stephenson, Dani Homer, Rhiannon McKibben,
Adelaide Mott, Catherine Burton
The game kicked off with both teams in
determined mood and for 10 minutes the 2
teams were deadlocked at 0 0, until
Norwich pounced on an unfortunate ricochet
off a Hethersett player to put the ball
into the net.
Despite the set back HAFC kept up the work
rate and showed good team spirit,
endeavouring to play their usual passing
football. Lisa and Titch continually ran
to close down the City midfielders
and Connie and Beth kept it tight at the
back. The away side created a couple of
chances with Ella and Beth hitting over before
Norwich claimed their 2nd and 3rd goals,
both well worked, before the halftime
break.
Rich stressed at the break that despite
the scoreline the girls had stuck to the
task of playing football, and had put in a
solid team effort. The second half was
much the same as the first, with Norwich
having the upper hand but HAFC always
looking capable of creating chances...
some great corners from Adelaide, plus
some speedy runs from Ella down the wing
and clever touches from Rhiannon.
Catherine and Dani challenged and won the
ball in the middle, and Dani had a shot
saved by the keeper. Norwich however had a
string of good passing moves and
Louise had to be quick of the line on
several occasions to close them down, also
making a couple of excellent saves to keep
the scoreline down.
Norwich eventually got their 4th and
5th goals the latter a superb
chip from distance that floated into the
top right hand corner. HAFC didn't get
downhearted however, showing great spirit
and focusing on playing good football
whenever they had the chance. Their
consolation goal came from a good move
across to the right and Ella hitting home
a great shot into the far left hand top corner
of the goal to make it 5 1.
Norwich still had time to score a 6th for
a well deserved victory on a day when they
were clearly the better side, but
Hethersett should take heart from the
great attitude they showed throughout
the game ... no player could be faulted
for their effort or their work rate.
Our last game against Norwich this season,
but don't forget those previous games when
HAFC have shown Norwich that on our day we
are a force not to be taken lightly.
April 17th Hethersett 5 Spixorth 0
Squad : Louise Pritchett, Beth Evans,
Connie Canning, Sophie Cooke, Lisa
Miners, Ella Stephenson, Dani Homer,
Erica Hall, Rhiannon McKibben, Adelaide
Mott, Letitia Dye, Sophie Rock.
Hethersett got back to winning ways
after a couple of weeks without a game,
with a comfortable win against Spixworth.
The home side took an early lead after 5
minutes when Rocky took a pass from
Louise just over the half way line and
ran clear to score. A second goal came
shortly after when an excellent corner
from Lisa was turned in by Rocky with a
good finish from 7 yards.
Hethersett dominated matters with
Cookie, Lisa taking control of
midfield with some storng tackling, Beth
/ Connie mopping up any Spixworth
attacks without too much worry and Ella
and Adelaide doing good work down the
wings. Connie had a good long range
effort go just wide and Beth also
ran through from the back to release
Rocky who shot from the edge of the area
just wide of the post. Beth then had a
shot blocked after good touches from
Dani in the area. Titch worked hard to
win the ball just behind Rocky, creating
2 further chances which the keeper
smothered.
Spixworth responded and on 25 minutes
were awarded a free kick from 20 yards
which Louise saved well. Spixworth
forced 2 corners in succession but again
Louise was equal to these tipping one
over the bar and catching the other.
After a tough 5 minutes Ella broke
away from her own penalty area taking
the ball right up to the Spixworth touch
line and then crossing to give Rocky
a tap in for her 3rd goal. Half Time 3
0.
HAFC started the 2nd half in the same
vain, Ella first having a shot saved
from the right and Lisa delivering some
good corners. Rhiannon created a great
opportunity with a superb pass down the
left wing for Titch to run on to, who
passed in for Rocky to shoot just
wide.Erica intercepted a pass to set up
a move through to Cookie, then to Rocky
who crossed in from the left for Ella to
score Hethersett's fourth from 10 yards.
Erica then switched for her first ever
spell at right back, and showed she
was comfortable with a couple of solid
tackles to stop Spixworth on the edge of
the area. Beth and Dani also got in
a couple of last minute tackles when
Spixworth broke away to keep the score
at 4 0.
There was still enough time for HAFC to
engineer two more chances, Cookie first
winning the ball in the middle and
winning a throw in. Cookie's throw
was then touched on by Titch to Ella
whose shot was deflected and then shot
wide, and then Rocky grabbing her
4th of the game making it 5 0... a good
result earned through playing
thoughtful, passing football.
April
24th
Red Rose
2 Hethersett
6
Squad : Louise Pritchett,
Connie Canning, Sophie Cooke, Lisa
Miners, Ella Stephenson, Adelaide
Mott, Dani Homer, Erica Hall, Rhiannon
McKibben, Sophie Rock.
Hethersett started lethargically, with
both Connie and Cookie having to
be alert to prevent early strikes from Red
Rose, before the home side deservedly
took the lead after 10 minutes.
Going 1 0 down seemed to stir HAFC
into action with Ella crossing to
the centre soon after and Dani having
a shot blocked with Rhiannon shooting
wide from the rebound. Dani showed
some great touches in midfield putting
several excellent through balls down
the middle, one of which Ella ran on
to to slot home from a narrow
angle 1 1. The away side took
charge of things with one of a number
of crisp attacking moves leading
to their 2nd goal, Ella crossing for
Rocky to calmly fire into the net on
20 minutes. HAFC then enjoyed their
best 15 minutes of the match stringing
together pass after pass from defence
through midfield to attack - with
Ella, Rocky and Dani all going being
deprived goals from the keeper
blocking well. Adelaide also put in
some wicked corners.
On the odd occasion Red Rose broke
through Cookie and Connie confidently
mopped up, with Louise also in control
in the goal mouth. Cookie then put Rocky
through with a long ball down the
middle and the keeper blocked the
shot. Adelaide put in 2 great crosses,
both of which Ella met and shot, the
keeper again saving both. The 3rd
goal came from a great move - Cookie
to Adelaide, to Rocky who played it
back to Dani (who was in her best
form), Dani's through ball to Ella who
scored her 2nd and HAFC's 3rd. Half
time. 3 - 1.
The second half started positively
with Erica, forever chasing the
opposition down, winning a throw.
A Cookie throw in to Rocky who passed
inside to Lisa who was unlucky to
shoot just wide. Rhiannon played some
of her best football on the left,
winning the ball regularly and
releasing midfielders. Rhiannon's
persistence, a double tackle and then
a perfect pass allowed Rocky to shoot
and score her 2nd ... 1
4.
Red Rose then came back with a
wave of attacks and Connie and Cookie
did really well working hard in
defence to cope with the pressure,
with Erica helping out when needed.
Cookie, playing a rare game at left
back, enjoyed one of her
strongest halves. Louise made 2
top drawer saves, one effort looking
certain to go in deftly tipped
over the bar. Red Rose managed to grab
one back but Hethersett soon
restored their 3 goal advantage
with an exquisite lob from 12
yards by Ella for her hatrick. Not to
be outdone Rocky then scored a fab
goal taking the ball, turning on the
spot and curling the ball in to the
top right hand corner from 10 yards...
her hatrick aswell!
6 2 - a good win against a Red
Rose side who kept making it
difficult. Don't want to single anyone
out as all the girls played very well,
but important to acknowledge Dani's
superb first half in midfield and
Rhiannon's excellent 2nd half. Well
done girls!
May 1st Hethersett 7 Aylsham 2
Squad : Louise
Pritchett, Beth Evans, Connie
Canning, Lisa Miners, Sophie Cooke,
Ella Stephenson, Sophie Rock,
Dani Homer, Rhiannn McKibben,
Letitia Dye, Adelaide Mott.
Hethersett enjoyed an emphatic first
half against old rivals Aylsham,
with too much good football to
mention in a brief write up so
here's the highlights! HAFC enjoyed
attack after attack in the first 10
minutes with Aylsham having just one
breakaway which was dealt with
confidently by the Connie and Beth.
The best effort came from
Lisa corner, a Rocky shot that was
blocked and a Cookie follow up also
blocked by the keeper. 15 minutes
into the game Ella capitalised off a
through ball from Rocky to
score her first ... 1 0. The
home side continued to press forward
with some good corners delivered by Adelaide creating
excellent opportunities. Cookie and
Lisa were tenacious in midfield
winning possession and Lisa put
a great through ball to Rocky who
had her shot saved. Aylsham
immediately replied with a
breakaway' effort seeing Louise to
make a good stop, for the rebound to
end up in the net with a shot
from the edge of the area... 1
1, against the run of
play.
HAFC stepped up a level and were
ahead again soon after, Beth winning
the ball in defence, to Lisa who
made a great pass ahead of Ella
on the wing who took it to the
bi-line and crossed for Titch to put
in from 3 yards ... 2 1. Our
girls then 'ran riot' with sweeping
football, the ball coming in from
both wings and down the middle. Lisa
was on top form with some of her
control and passing, leading to 2
further opportunities for Rocky, one
going just wide and 1 saved. Cookie
also put Rocky through again with
the shot going just wide of the
right hand post. The 3rd goal came
from a great move involving Cookie,
Lisa and Titch who touched the ball
in from the edge of the area to Ella
who passed to Rocky 3 1. Aylsham
enjoyed 3 rare attacks before
Hethersett got their 4th when Rocky
broke through from a throw from Lisa
with an excellent finish for her
second of the game. Lisa and Dani
the combined well to create openings
leading to a 5th goal and Rocky's
hatrick. Ella made it 6 1 latching
on to another beautiful through ball
from Lisa. Job done!
Alsham made better of the second
half, with Louise having to make an
early double block. Rhiannon won the
ball well on the wing and touched
the ball into Titch, to Dani and
then Rocky who fired home from 8
yards ... 7 1 and 4 goals for
the striker. The away side had more possession
that the first half and Louise
had to be alert to catch a shot
from 10 yards and also come off her
line to gather the ball on the edge
as Aylsham broke through. Rhiannon
also chased back crucially when
Aylsham had players forward to force
their striker to shoot wide. As
the game entered the final 10
minutes HAFC resumed control
with good work from Cookie and
Lisa, and some great ball skills
from Dani who got a shot in from 10
yards.Adelaide continued to deliver consistently
good corners. The game closed with
Aylsham drawing out second
double save of the game from Louise -
only this time Aylsham got to the
ball first to score a consolation
... 7 2 and a very good win
for Hethersett against a battling
Aylsham. Good stuff!
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