Hockey team gains revenge

Gorleston 2, Pelicans II 1

In a closely-fought game in Division Three North East of the NE14 East Men's Hockey League, Gorleston took the honours and so gained some revenge for the 7-2 defeat inflicted by their third-placed visitors in King's Lynn last October.

Missing Andrew Lilly, out injured after playing football, and other key players, Gorleston drafted the experienced Peter Jones back into the squad. His presence at full back in the first half with Jason Austin helped to steady the defence when they came under pressure from a lively Pelicans forward line, in which skipper Steven Long was outstanding.

Gorleston themselves up front were no slouches and probing runs from Simon Long, Russ Crawford and MoM Richard Pallant were causing problems for the visitors all afternoon.

But having taken a two-goal lead through short corners converted by Simon Long and Crawford, they took their foot off the pedal somewhat and allowed Pelicans back into the game.

A minute into the second half, arriving out of nowhere, Steven Long drifted through a static defence to spark the fightback which continued up to the final whistle.

By then Gorleston had seen at least two shots from Pelicans whistle past and over Barney King's goal, and an unbiased spectator would probably agree a draw would have been a fairer result.

Most notable however, was the number of injuries and high-speed falls suffered by both sides on a slippery surface only recently cleared of snow.

The Cliff Park surface is particularly unforgiving in such conditions for the twists and turns of the talented players in this league, and it will be surprising if all of them will be fully recovered by tomorrow.

In the meantime Gorleston remain in sixth place in the league table on 21 points and next take on Bury II away hoping to complete a double.

Pushback is at 12pm and transport leaves the Albion PH at 9.30am.