GORLESTON open their new Ridgeons League Division One season tomorrow entertaining Brantham at Emerald Park, kick-off 3pm.Section newcomers Brantham were the opponents in the first league match Gorleston played at Emerald Park in 1982.

GORLESTON open their new Ridgeons League Division One season tomorrow entertaining Brantham at Emerald Park, kick-off 3pm.

Section newcomers Brantham were the opponents in the first league match Gorleston played at Emerald Park in 1982. The Greens won 3-0.

Supporters have been asked to note that club membership cards will be on sale at the ground, £2.

Gorleston 3, Whitton United 0

THE Greens gave another very encouraging performance against Whitton at Emerald Park on Saturday in their

pre-season friendly.

Gorleston narrowly lost out on promotion to the Ridgeons Premier last season, while their visitors Whitton finished third to achieve this aim.

Gorleston introduced another new signing in the second half, experienced and talented central defender Leon Harewood from Kirkley. He looked a fine acquisition, writes Mick Heard.

Gorleston controlled the match for long periods and took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with two goals from another new signing, midfielder Steve Taylor.

On both occasions he finished well from fine build-ups. Gorleston fans are certain to appreciate his style of play in the middle

of the park, working hard, wanting the ball and willing to get into the opponents' penalty area.

Gorleston created numerous openings in the first period with Nathan Thompson, Chad Pillar and Regan Harman working well in attack and John Bell, normally a winger, impressive in midfield alongside Taylor and Nathan Drake.

The latter is another very experienced player who reads the game well.

The defence of keeper Tom Marsden, Paul Todd, Ben Manning, Adam Thurtle and Luke Goreham gave the Whitton forwards very few chances.

Gorleston made an ideal start to the second period when Regan Harman finished well to score goal number three.

As the second half progressed Gorleston made four other changes, in addition to Harewood, with skipper Eddie Thompson, Gary Ingram, Gary Todd and Jamie Long all entering the fray. They all contributed to this result.

Pete Lambert, Kyle Howell, Ricci Butler and Richie Fruin were all missing from the squad for various reasons, but this emphasises the strength in depth this season.

Jon White and Martyn Sinclair have worked hard in the close season in building this squad with little publicity and minimum fuss, and the spirit at the club appears to be first class.

Alan Smith and former player Steve Bishop will be in charge of Gorleston Reserves who will now be playing in the Ridgeons Reserve League.

At Wroxham midweek, Gorleston lost 7-1.