Gorleston 3, Ipswich Wanderers 2IT was a case of relief all round for Gorleston fans after this win over Ipswich Wanderers at Emerald Park on Saturday, following their heavy defeat at FC Clacton the week before.

Gorleston 3, Ipswich Wanderers 2

IT was a case of relief all round for Gorleston fans after this win over Ipswich Wanderers at Emerald Park on Saturday, following their heavy defeat at FC Clacton the week before.

The supporters must also be wondering when the side will get back to full strength. Those missing on Saturday included keeper Tom Marsden, right back Kyle Howell (still injured), defender Ben Manning (working) and Pete Lambert who has just started at university but could well be available this weekend. Leon Harewood was on the bench recovering from injury. Danny Burkle, a former youth team player, came into the team at right back.

The side took a long time to settle and Ipswich Wanderers took the lead after six minutes with their first attack. Gorleston were caught out when a long clearance from the Wanderers' defence reached striker Callum Moran on the left. He cut in and sent a fine shot over keeper Annis Nialli.

Despite a great deal of possession Gorleston failed to find the equaliser in the first half but came close when a terrific scramble in the visitors' penalty area ended with the ball eventually cleared.

Gorleston's best move of the half saw Ricci Butler receive the ball on the right and fire a low cross across the area which was missed by everybody and went out of play on the other side.

Gorleston's young striker Harry Maddison won several balls in the air in the first half but generally the attack did not get going.

Gorleston brought on Leon Harewood as a substitute and he moved to his central defence position with Adam Thurtle moving to right back.

The team equalised in the 52nd minute when a good passing move found Lee Hunter, who sped through and lobbed the keeper.

On 59 minutes Hunter got the second goal when he took advantage of hesitation in the Wanderers' defence to seize on to the ball and stroke it home.

Gorleston were now playing much better with Steve Taylor outstanding in midfield, well supported by Richie Fruin.

On 68 minutes Hunter completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Gorleston also had a 'goal' disallowed for offside when skipper Eddie Thompson had touched the ball home from close range.

In the 90th minute Wanderers pulled a goal back when the Gorleston defence did not clear. Layne Jerrell scored with a fine strike.

The fans started to worry a little bit as seven minutes were added on.

Match sponsor was Gary Butcher.

Gorleston: A Nialli, D Burkle, L Goreham, R Fruin, A Thurtle, B Thompson (capt), J Bell, S Taylor, H Maddison, L Hunter, R Butler. Subs: G Ingram, S Long, L Harewood, A Forbes.

Tomorrow, Gorleston entertain Saffron Walden.