Steep learning curve

HETHERSETT Ladies had a lesson in the footballing facts of life when they visited Ipswich Town Ladies in the Norfolk and Suffolk Cup and lost 6-1.Town play in the league above Hethersett and are runaway leaders of the South East Women's Combination with 13 wins in their 14 games and a 12-point lead at the top.

HETHERSETT Ladies had a lesson in the footballing facts of life when they visited Ipswich Town Ladies in the Norfolk and Suffolk Cup and lost 6-1.

Town play in the league above Hethersett and are runaway leaders of the South East Women's Combination with 13 wins in their 14 games and a 12-point lead at the top.

Hethersett will be hoping to play at this level next season but first have to win the Eastern Region Premier Division title. It was a good yardstick for the young Hethersett team against a side who next season are likely to be playing in the Southern Division of the National League.

Hethersett were not overawed by their illustrious opponents in the first half and at half-time were still in with a chance at just 2-0 down.

After the break Ipswich's experience told as they ran in four further goals with Nicola Stolworthy scoring Hethersett's only goal of the game. Despite the defeat, Hethersett are still in with a chance of a Eastern Region League and Cup double.

League results didn't go their way at the weekend, however, with rivals Woodbridge Town and Norwich City both winning.

Hethersett are now eight points clear of Woodbridge and 10 clear of both Norwich and Peterborough, although those teams have games in hand.

This Sunday, Hethersett have a change in fixture. They will now be playing Barking at Easton College (ko 2pm).