GORLESTON hockey players overcame a disappointing defeat by North Walsham to deliver a nap-hand win over Dragons II.North Walsham 4, Gorleston 2A DISAPPOINTING result for Gorleston in a match played under the worst possible conditions - a 4pm pushback in dusk under poor floodlights.

GORLESTON hockey players overcame a disappointing defeat by North Walsham to deliver a nap-hand win over Dragons II.

North Walsham 4, Gorleston 2

A DISAPPOINTING result for Gorleston in a match played under the worst possible conditions - a 4pm pushback in dusk under poor floodlights.

Despite a side missing only Andrew Lilly, Gorleston never really got going against their mid-table hosts and numerous chances went begging.

Walsham took a somewhat fortuitous lead into the interval, and after the restart Russ Crawford hit a post.

The home side then doubled their tally with a disputed short-corner strike and Gorleston heads seemed to drop.

Only Simon Long came out of the game with any credit as he plundered

two goals, but Walsham continued to profit from unforced errors with two more goals.

Gorleston 5, Norwich Dragons II 0

WHAT a difference a week can make. Welcoming back Andrew Lilly to strengthen the midfield, and with Simon Walpole guesting in goal for the absent Barney King, Gorleston's performance was little short of inspirational.

Playing fast, slick hockey with excellent performances from Monty Raymond and man-of-the-match Richard Pallant, Gorleston completely dominated this match and with a little more composure in front of goal could easily have replicated their early season 9-0 drubbing of Ipswich IV.

After early pressure only five minutes had elapsed before Russ Crawford intercepted a poor defensive clearance and his measured pass sent James Clarkson clear to slot home with ease.

Shortly after a great link-up move between Mark Vaudin and Monty Raymond saw Mark advance into

the Dragons D and fire high and narrowly wide.

The danger continued as two short corners were well saved, but inevitably the pressure paid off and on 25 minutes Richard Pallant's industry saw him tuck the ball over the line following more confusion in the visitors' defence.

The second half had barely begun before James Clarkson scored again, this time weaving past several defenders on the left before pushing the ball under the advancing keeper.

Andrew Lilly made way for Jamie Higginbotham, but it made little difference to the run of play as Gorleston continued to sweep forward.

Five minutes later and it was Jamie H who crossed for Russ Crawford to make it 4-0 at the near post. Dragons never gave up and continued to take up good positions but they were just no match for the home side on the day.

With the ball seemed glued to every Gorleston stick and players making themselves available for each other, the fifth goal came from a different approach as Martyn Vaudin was allowed too much space to fire home.

That was five minutes from time but Dragons did have one last chance to gain some consolation. Awarded a short corner in the dying minutes it was perhaps predictable their well-taken strike was deflected wide by skipper Kevin MacDonald. A fitting reward for his side's great performance.