Greens must dig deep
Gorleston are in home FA Vase action against Deeping Rangers of the United Counties League Premier Division tomorrow, kick-off 3pm at Emerald Park.Gorleston 1, Godmanchester Rovers 1Gorleston completed a league double over the Cambridgeshire side last season but although they had the better of the play on Saturday at Emerald Park the Greens had to be content with a share of the spoils this time, writes Mick Heard.
Gorleston are in home FA Vase action against Deeping Rangers of the United Counties League Premier Division tomorrow, kick-off 3pm at Emerald Park.
Gorleston 1, Godmanchester Rovers 1
Gorleston completed a league double over the Cambridgeshire side last season but although they had the better of the play on Saturday at Emerald Park the Greens had to be content with a share of the spoils this time, writes Mick Heard.
The visitors are definitely an improved side from last season and currently hold a position near the top of Ridgeons Division One.
It was very hot with conditions more suited to cricket. Gorleston had Pete Lambert and Adam Thurtle returning. Last season these two were voted supporters' player of the year and runner-up respectively. Lambert was selected in an attacking midfield role while Thurtle was on the bench.
Gorleston started very well and Chad Pillar came close when he sent a header against the bar with the keeper Ally McNally beaten.
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Gorleston received an early setback when right-back Kyle Howell had to be substituted as a result of an ankle injury. Paul Todd came on in his place.
Gorleston were putting some fine attacking moves together and had the better of the play but were caught out when Godmanchester broke quickly from midfield and switched the ball to striker Paul Batts on the right. He cut inside and unleashed a shot into the top of the net to give the visitors the lead.
Gorleston responded well and a good move saw Nathan Thompson break into the area, only for his fiercely struck drive to clear the bar.
Their efforts were rewarded just before the interval when Steve Taylor orchestrated a move down the left which saw Regan Harman cut inside and beat McNally with a low drive inside the far post. A coolly-taken goal.
The second half was very entertaining with both sides putting in plenty of effort, and although Gorleston
created the better chances there were
no further goals.
Leon Harewood, who recently joined Gorleston from Kirkley, had an excellent match in defence and looks another fine acquisition.
Gorleston went close when a sweeping ball across from the left was headed by Nathan Thompson into the side netting. The last chances of the match saw Ricci Butler's free-kick parried by the keeper and Chad Pillar's skimming the bar.
It was disappointing for Gorleston not to have won, but the team are playing attractive football and the chances are being made. They also have a good squad to pick from.
Team: (4-3-3): T Marsden, K Howell, E Thompson, L Harewood, L Goreham, R Butler, P Lambert, S Taylor, N Thompson, C Pillar, R Harman. Subs: P Todd, G Ingram, A Thurtle, J Bell,
J Long.
