A hard-working performance was enough to give Gorleston another three points and close the gap on leaders Mildenhall.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Hydramec Offsore Services man of the match Kyle Ingram receives his award. Photo: David Hardy.Hydramec Offsore Services man of the match Kyle Ingram receives his award. Photo: David Hardy. (Image: Archant)

Gorleston gave themselves a headstart with a goal inside the opening 10 minutes.

The Greens gained their first corner of the game in the eighth minute and it was played to the near post when Aaron Taylor headed goalwards. His effort was blocked but the ball fell to Kyle Baker who slotted home from close range.

Richard Chadwick then almost pounced on a miskicked Gorleston clearance but Molloy was able to fall on the ball and smother it. At the other end, Luke Goreham looked to have a shooting opportunity but chose instead to square to Joel Watts whose shot went over.

The Greens had a big shout for a penalty when Perry Moody appeared to control the ball with his arm but the officials were not interested.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Joel Watts shielding the ball during Gorleston's victory on Saturday. Photo: David Hardy.Joel Watts shielding the ball during Gorleston's victory on Saturday. Photo: David Hardy. (Image: Archant)

Four minutes into the second half the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Garrod broke through on the left and got ahead of Ryan Fleming and was heading towards the box with just the keeper to beat when Fleming brought him down. The ref took his time before showing the red card.

Bell was given time and space on the edge of the Gorleston box and drilled his shot narrowly wide before Molloy came to his side’s rescue on the hour mark when James Crane burst into the box.

Walden’s only shot on target in the game came two minutes later from Crane but Molloy pulled off a great save.

Midway through the half Gorleston doubled their lead. A free-kick was awarded 30 yards from goal. This time, having been introduced five minutes previously, Connor Ingram showed his team-mates how to do it, hitting the effort over the wall into the top corner.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Kyle Baker opens the scoring for Gorleston against Saffron Walden. Photo: David HardyKyle Baker opens the scoring for Gorleston against Saffron Walden. Photo: David Hardy (Image: Archant)

Eight minutes from time, Molloy grappled away a cross into the box despite being baulked by attackers as much as the attacker had been for the free-kick that led to the scramble but that was the last real threat.

Sponsor Hydramec Offshore Services awarded the Batemans man of the match to Kyle Ingram.

Gorleston: Molloy, Clements (Yusuff), K Ingram (Middleton), Short, Short, Taylor, Goreham, Oldham, Garrod, Baker, Watts (C Ingram).

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Gorleston have only lost two league games all season. Photo: David Hardy.Gorleston have only lost two league games all season. Photo: David Hardy. (Image: Archant)