Gorleston 3, Fakenham 5A year ago, Gorleston played Fakenham at Emerald Park in a league match, and won 8-0. In the FA Cup match on Saturday it was the same opposition and again eight goals were scored - but unfortunately for the Greens they scored only three of them.

Gorleston 3, Fakenham 5

A year ago, Gorleston played Fakenham at Emerald Park in a league match, and won 8-0. In the FA Cup match on Saturday it was the same opposition and again eight goals were scored - but unfortunately for the Greens they scored only three of them.

The Ghosts, with a much-changed team since a year ago, took their chances well, writes Mick Heard.

Gorleston have started their league programme well with a home win over Brantham and a well-merited 1-1 draw at Diss. They made an ideal start on Saturday with Chad Pillar fastening on to a through ball and placing it past keeper Daniel Stockdale.

After three minutes the home fans probably thought the floodgates would open and the team created numerous chances with some fine attacking play. The Ghosts equalised when a long ball down the Gorleston right was intercepted by Nathan Drake and he appeared to be pushed by a Fakenham player as he was attempting to let the ball run to safety over the line. No foul was given and the loose ball was picked up by the winger and crossed into the area for striker Julian Delicata to square things.

Gorleston appeared shocked, and worse was to follow when Matthew Hooks snapped up a chance and put the Ghosts ahead. Gorleston continued to create chances which led to Chad Pillar squeezing the ball in from close range to make it 2-2.

Gorleston supporters again sensed the team would take charge, but two goals for Fakenham before half-time changed the pattern. Striker Ben Darby scored from a free-kick and Delicata drove home No 4 when he pounced on a loose ball.

The second half saw Gorleston unable to find their best form and Fakenham defended well, clearing the ball in a no-nonsense fashion. Their young keeper Stockdale was quick to come off his line to thwart danger; at 18 he is a fine prospect.

With 15 minutes remaining, Fakenham broke away down their left and a low cross into the area saw Delicata fire home to complete his hat trick.

On 85 minutes, Gary Ingram reduced the arrears from close range with his 203rd goal for Gorleston. However, this was too late to save the game.

Gorleston will want to get this game out of their system. They have a strong squad with Kyle Howell recovering from a shoulder injury and fit for selection soon. Defender Adam Thurtle is back from holiday and Peter Lambert has been unavailable playing cricket. He was player of the year last season and has been missed. Harley Clemments, outstanding in the reserves and youth team last season, was on the bench for the Fakenham game.

Team: T Marsden, N Drake E Thompson (capt), L Harewood, B Manning, S Taylor, J Bell, J Long, N Thompson, C Pillar, R Butler. Subs: G Ingram, L Goreham, R Harman, H Clements.

Tomorrow, Gorleston hope to get back to winning ways when they entertain Downham at Emerald Park, ko 3pm.

In a league match on the same day, Gorleston Reserves begin their campaign in the Ridgeons Reserve League when they travel to play Felixstowe Reserves away, ko 3pm. Wednesday, August 27, Gorleston U18 Youth entertain Cromer Youth at Emerald Park, ko 7.45pm.