Hethersett Athletic F.C.

Home

14/11/99

Junior cup 1st round

Hethersett for the past few seasons have made early exits from cup competitions and this cup tie against Gorleston Albion ran true to form. Sadly this time, Hethersett for the majority of the game were much the better side. The work rate and passion was first class against a very physical side on the pitch coupled with some unsavoury antics from the visiting spectators.

Hethersett were forced to make changes with Greenhalgh coming into goal, Hyett moved into midfield, Gaskin partnering Steward in central defence. The opening twenty minutes was a close fought encounter with Hethersett moving the ball well but unable to get the important breakthrough. Gorleston were punting long balls forward, all dealt with comfortably by the rearranged back four, Danny Gaskin playing his best game of the season so far. Nick Jones was coming in for some punishing treatment on the right wing, not just from the Albion defenders but also from the spectators on the line. Time and time again the player was crudely upended but the official was only prepared to give the free kick and not punish the habitual offenders. Hethersett took a first half lead when again Jones was brought down from behind as he went past the keeper. The referee awarded the spot kick but took no action against the keeper. Top marks to Robbie Lincoln who despite the pressure kick made no mistake. 1-0 Hethersett continued to attack with Lincoln twice denied by the Albion keeper.

Hethersett then gave away a silly goal, after failing to cut out a cross ,leaving the striker a free header. 1-1

H-T 1-1

The second period began with Hethersett continuing to play the passing football that had the visitors stretched, unfortunately the killer finish was missing. Lewis Mace went close after Lincoln put him clear but the low shot was kept out by the outstretched foot of the keeper.

James Reeve twenty yard effort struck the post then saw an even better effort headed off the line with the keeper beaten. Two more strong penalty appeals went unheeded after Harrison was brought down and the game appeared to be heading for a replay. Greenhalgh had been a spectator for the majority of the game but then made a superb instinct save. Greenhalgh then called for a cross but allowed the ball to strike the attackers back to roll slowly over the line

1-2 Hethersett threw every thing forward in the dying minutes but were unable to save the game.

RESULT 1-2