Gorleston may have lost to two late goals at Mildenhall, but their destiny is still in their own hands.

If the Greens win all their remaining 10 matches, which would have to include victories over Felixstowe in a fortnight’s time then Mildenhall on April 4, they would achieve one point more than those other sides could reach.

Manager Ricci Butler made two changes for the midweek clash against the leaders. Isaac Burrage and Keegan Middleton dropped to the bench and Connor Ingram and Joel Watts started, with George Yusuff returning to the back four.

The pitch looked in great condition, ideal to knock the ball around on but, as it turned out, this wasn’t a game for the purists with both sides favouring a direct approach during the first half. But it was a tense, enthralling match all the same.

Gorleston began attacking up the slope and the opening stages were played at a frenetic pace with Mildenhall having the edge.

The fourth minute saw the only shot in the game which forced either keeper to make a save but it was easy for Taurean Molloy from George Tolliday’s effort.

The hosts then had a free kick awarded on the edge of the box for handball, it must have been very close to being inside the area, but Chris Bacon was unable to trouble Molloy with the kick.

The Greens defended strongly and looked able to cope with their opponents direct approach with Aaron Taylor and Yusuff winning most of the aerial battles.

Gorleston grew into the game and began to ask their hosts some questions and, four minutes before the break, came the Greens best chance of the half. Kyle Ingram hit a first-time cross to the far side of the penalty area where Kyle Baker chipped it back in front of goal to where Ingram was poised to head goalwards, but keeper Josh Pope palmed the ball off the striker’s head.

The game was finely balanced in the latter stages, but it was Mildenhall who made the breakthrough in the 79th minute through Steve Spriggs, before adding a second through Dan Brown in time added on.

Gorleston entertain Long Melford tomorrow, while neighbours Great Yarmouth Town host third-placed Newmarket Town.

Yarmouth drew 1-1 at Thetford last Friday.