It's in the balance
FOLLOWING a run of four away games which had produced seven points Gorleston disappointed their supporters by drawing 1-1 against March at Emerald Park on Saturday.
FOLLOWING a run of four away games which had produced seven points Gorleston disappointed their supporters by drawing 1-1 against March at Emerald Park on Saturday.
This was understandable as Gorleston had won 3-2 at March just a few weeks ago. Gorleston continued with Regan Harman alongside Lee Hunter in attack and Harry Maddison wide on the left, while Steve Taylor played on the right of midfield instead of his customary central midfield role.
There was a strong wind and both sides took a while to settle. March took the lead in rather strange circumstances after 27 minutes when their diminutive striker Ashley Brand ran through the middle and scored with ease while Gorleston hesitated, anticipating offside. From my view near the halfway line it was impossible to judge the situation but several spectators positioned nearer to the goal were adamant it was offside.
Ten minutes later Gorleston equalised with a quality goal. Regan Harman took a corner on the right and curled the kick into the goalmouth and Pete Lambert rose to send a superb header into the net.
Lee Hunter worked his way through just after and was foiled by March keeper Chris Anker.
For the remainder of the half Gorleston had the better of the play but it seemed at times as if the players were clustered on the Gorleston left-hand side of the pitch, leaving acres of space on the opposite side, and the balance of the team was not quite right.
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The second half produced no further goals and Gorleston created the better chances. March defended well. Ricci Butler broke through on the left and sent an excellent low ball across the ball but nobody was able to convert.
Gorleston had one moment of concern when March broke through on the right and keeper Tom Marsden came out of his goal to clear from the March striker Steve Anderson, only for the ball to ricochet off the forward and finish on the other side of the pitch.
Gorleston are now in fifth position in the league table with 48 points. They have 12 matches left, nicely balanced with six home and six away. They have much to play for but at the moment FC Clacton would appear to be the favourites to gain the third promotion spot alongside Newmarket and Hadleigh.
Gorleston: T Marsden, A Thurtle, L Goreham, Paul Hunter, L Harewood, E Thompson, S Taylor, P Lambert, Lee Hunter, R Harman, H Maddison. Subs: G Ingram, R Butler, K Howell, J Bell.
This Saturday Gorleston face a difficult match away to Saffron Walden Town (kick-off 3pm).
Gorleston drew 1-1 at Downham Market on Tuesday.
Mick Heard
