Pelicans II 2, Gorleston 5GORLESTON travelled to King's Lynn for this NE14 East Men's Hockey League game with just 11, with several key players missing, but welcomed the debut of Ahmed Bassam, the Albanian U23 International.
Pelicans II 2, Gorleston 5
GORLESTON travelled to King's Lynn for this NE14 East Men's Hockey League game with just 11, with several key players missing, but welcomed the debut of Ahmed Bassam, the Albanian U23 International.
The game was played in bright sunshine and unusually warm temperature, which seemed to affect both teams.
Gorleston found a very high tempo in the opening minutes with Ahmed causing lots of problems up front. His hard work soon forced a short corner which Jamie Higginbotham converted with a drag flick past the stranded goalkeeper.
Pelicans forced their way back into contention with several hard tackles. Gorleston's lack of discipline soon let Pelicans get several good chances at goal but Barnaby King in goal kept them out with Mark Vaudin sweeping up any loose play in front of him. Gorleston went in at the half in the lead - just.
The second half started with Gorleston putting in another push and Michael Tadross get on the score sheet with some excellent solo work to create space for his shot. Then Jamie Higginbotham converted another short corner to make it 3-0.
Gorleston, in total control, allowed Pelicans back into the game when they gave a needless short corner away which Pelicans converted with a drag flick.
Gorleston were again able to take control and get another short corner which they converted when the ball was reversed back to Mark Vaudin who struck home from close range.
With the clock running down, a Pelicans player was sent off for dissent. Pelicans converted another short corner.
Gorleston got back into the Pelicans' 25 and won a free-hit. Martyn Vaudin's quick thinking and pin-point pass found Higginbotham free in the D and he deflected the ball past the Pelicans keeper to round off his hat-trick.
The game pretty much ended when Ahmed and a Pelicans player got sent off for what can only be described as handbags at 10 paces.
Gorleston now face Felixstowe in their last home game of the season with the push-back at 2.30pm at Cliff Park High School.
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