UEA II 1, Gorleston 2WITH their home game against Watton the previous week postponed because of snow and ice, Gorleston were anxious to get back to action and attempt to complete a double over the students, who had meantime usurped their second place in Division Four of the NE14 Hockey East League.

UEA II 1, Gorleston 2

WITH their home game against Watton the previous week postponed because of snow and ice, Gorleston were anxious to get back to action and attempt to complete a double over the students, who had meantime usurped their second place in Division Four of the

NE14 Hockey East League.

With leaders Ipswich IV thrashing the UEA III 11-0 at home, Gorleston now return to second spot in the league table on 34 points and next entertain Dereham III Xl at the

Cliff Park Community Pitch with push-back at 2.30pm.

The weekend weather was a total contrast from seven days earlier, and in excellent conditions both sides were able to produce the fast and skilful hockey that has been their joint hallmark this season.

Despite missing regulars Nick Mobbs and Russ Crawford, Gorleston's Jason Austin and Andrew Lilly returned to command the midfield. And from this foundation in the first half the Vaudin brothers Mark and Martyn were frequently able to move forward with Adam Stone and Peter Jones to test the UEA defence.

The breakthrough came after 18 minutes with a classic Peter Jones goal. A short pass from Mark was turned neatly by Peter down the blind side of his marker, and before the latter could recover the ball flashed into the net past the helpless keeper.

The rattled students did well to keep their shape, but attacking into the sun was difficult and when Gorleston scored again shortly before the interval their hope of points seemed over.

This time UEA's undoing was a well-rehearsed short-corner routine. From the push-out the ball was slipped sideways to Jamie Higginbotham, and his powerful shot took two deflections off defenders before crossing the line.

After the break the tempo of the game dropped as Gorleston dropped back to defend their lines and UEA, encouraged by some vociferous local support, pushed forward.

Their only reward was an early goal, struck home by Zero despite close attention from Barney King and Andrew Lilly. But that was as near as the students came to an upset as Gorleston once more assumed control and held out comfortably to the final whistle.

A good match was played sportingly by both teams, if somewhat marred by an incident in the crowd which led to one of the spectators being removed by the umpires from the ground.