HETHERSETT Ladies' chances of winning the Eastern Region Women's Football League Premier Division were sunk as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against relegated Royston.

HETHERSETT Ladies' chances of winning the Eastern Region Women's Football League Premier Division were sunk as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against relegated Royston.

Hethersett, knowing that they needed to score a hatful of goals to give them any chance of beating Norwich Ladies to the title, missed numerous opportunities and had to settle for a point from a solitary Emily Coates goal.

Norwich's home game against Haringey was postponed but they are two points ahead of Hethersett, with the latter having finished all their fixtures.

A poor start to the season, which saw them take just one point from their opening two games, and a poor end which brought just two points from the final two games ultimately cost Hethersett the title.

However, they have the consolation of having beaten champions Norwich twice and also having won the League Cup in their first season at the top level.

The team has exceeded their stated aims at the beginning of the season to finish in the top three and get to the cup final.

The building for next season's assault on the title has already begun.