Gorleston received the perfect Christmas present after long-serving captain Eddie Thompson reversed a decision to retire.

The inspirational central defender, who has spent 10 seasons with the Greens, and skippered them to the Ridgeons League Division One title last season, played in the disappointing 4-0 home defeat by Felixstowe but missed Monday’s derby at the Wellesley after bowing out.

But after a heart-to-heart with his family and joint manager Richard Daniels, Thompson is set to reclaim the skipper’s armband for next weekend’s Norfolk Senior Cup quarter-final at Diss – the club’s most important game of recent times.

Midfielder Jamie Godbold has returned to Lowestoft following his three-month loan spell with Gorleston. In 15 appearances he scored four goals. Godbold thanked everybody associated with Gorleston FC for making him feel welcome, and wished the club good luck. Like the first team Gorleston Reserves resume action on January 7. The Under 18s entertain Yarmouth at Emerald Park on Wednesday.