Gorleston are four-midable

Published: 3:19 PM January 22, 2009

Updated: 8:22 PM October 10, 2020

TOMORROW Gorleston visit Saffron Walden (ko 3pm) looking to continue the Ridgeons League Division One form they showed on Saturday to stun a Stowmarket side 4-0 in the middle of an impressive run in which they had climbed to one place below Gorleston.

Gorleston anticipated a tough match and fielded a strong line-up with Pete Lambert the main absentee. He has had his nose re-set after the injury on Boxing Day and is expected to be missing for about three weeks, writes Mick Heard.

The Greens started strongly with a fine move down the left which ended with Luke Goreham's drive forcing a great save from keeper Ross Charters.

In a keenly-fought first period both teams contributed to an exciting encounter. Gorleston had the better chances but Stowmarket broke quickly and towards the interval Phil Deller broke through on the right to send the ball across the goal and just out of play.

Gorleston made the ideal start to the second half with two goals in the first four minutes.

A well-constructed move on 47 minutes saw Luke Goreham score with a superb volley. Two minutes later Steve Taylor sent Lee Hunter speeding down the right, his shot into the far corner of the net, beating the bemused Charters. On 49 minutes Hunter did it again, picking up the ball on the left outwitting a defender and slipping the ball into the far corner of the net as the keeper advanced. He now has 19 goals this season.

Stowmarket did not give up and their two strikers Phil Deller and Ricky Deasy were prominent. Gorleston keeper Tom Marsden made one excellent save from Deller but generally he was well protected by his back four of Kyle Howell, Eddie Thompson, Leon Harewood and Ben Manning.

Adam Thurtle played in midfield and covered well, allowing Steve Taylor to support the attack where Gary Ingram used his vast experience to full advantage alongside Hunter.

Gorleston went further ahead on 67 minutes when Ricci Butler scored from the spot.

Robbie Oldham a recent signing from Great Yarmouth, came on and played his part in midfield. John Bell and Harry Maddison also came off the bench.

Both referee and the opposing team were full of praise for the pitche and thanks must go to John Nicholls and his helpers for their tremendous work.

A minute's silence for Sailor Brown was observed before kick-off.

Gorleston: T Marsden, K Howell, B Manning, A Thurtle, L Harewood, E Thompson, R Butler, S Taylor, L Hunter, G Ingram, L Goreham. Subs: A Nialli, J Bell, H Maddison, R Oldham, M Sinclair.