Gorleston boss says Greens just want to have fun now
Keegan Middleton, pictured receiving Gorleston's player of the season award in 2015, has left the Greens to join Caister. Picture: David Hardy - Credit: Archant
Ricci Butler is encouraging his Gorleston players to enjoy the remainder of the season after seeing their slim title hopes effectively come to an end in midweek.
The Greens followed up Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Stanway with a 6-0 defeat at Felixstowe & Walton United on Tuesday, leaving them 13 points adrift of leaders Mildenhall with seven games to play.
“Our squad depth was tested again by a fair few players being unavailable but we still fielded a strong side. Unfortunately we were one down after 15 seconds and then the second was a little bit against the run of play, so it was a bit of a tough night because they were clinical in front of goal and unfortunately we weren’t.
“But we’re a young side and what I’ve taken from it is that we’re not ready. We’ve had a very good season and it’s quite nice that we’ve been written off a little bit now so the rest of the season we can play with confidence and no fear.”
Gorleston face their longest trip of the season tomorrow with a visit to Godmanchester Rovers, who are 14th with just two wins from their last eight games, before leaders Mildenhall visit Emerald Park on Tuesday.
Keegan Middleton will not be involved though, as the forward has brought an end to his five years with the club, having scored 44 goals in 184 games, due to a lack of game-time.
“One of Keegan’s weaknesses is physicality and strength as he’s quite a slim build, which are not as good as his technical abilities, and against Stanway I felt he got bullied,” Butler added. “I’m not going to stop anyone playing so I wished him all the best.
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“He’s popped off to Caister so rather than challenging for the Thurlow Nunn Premier title he’s battling against relegation in the Anglian Combination Premier, but I wish him all the best.”
• Great Yarmouth Town travel to mid-table rivals Walsham le Willows tomorrow, looking to build on last weekend’s 1-0 home win over Godmanchester.
