The managers who produced Norfolk Senior Cup success for Gorleston this year go head to head for the first time tomorrow when Stewart Larter takes his red-hot Greens to play Richard Daniels’ Diss Town.

The Thurlow Nunn Premier Division bosses have remained firm friends since Daniels quit Emerald Park in October but Larter insists that the old pals’ act will have to wait as he bids to make it seven wins in a row in all matches and five league wins on the bounce.

“Richard and I have a really good relationship, and after our win at Kirkley and Pakefield on Wednesday, he was the first person to contact me after the game, because he knew what it meant to me,” said Larter, former joint- manager at Walmer Road.

“But for 180 minutes and the two matches this season our friendship will be parked.”

Larter will be able to see the rebuilding job, featuring some ex-Gorleston players, that Daniels has performed since taking the helm at Brewers Green Lane. Although results have been a shade inconsistent Daniels has made some progress in his battle to steer his new-look Tangerines away from the relegation rocks.

But Daniels won’t be in the home side’s dug-out as he is serving a touchline ban and is set to view proceedings from the stands. Gorleston will be be without midfielder Zak Clarke, who is suspended for one game.

The Greens have climbed into fourth place after the Boxing Day 3-0 win which delighted Larter. “I don’t think there could be any complaints from Kirkley and Pakefield about the result.”

K & P boss Paul Tong admitted: “Too many of my players under-performed. To be fair to Gorleston, they are the best side we have played this season after Dereham and you’ve got to take your hat off to them. As Yarmouth boss I had some good Boxing Days against Gorleston but they ruined my Christmas this year!”

Yarmouth Town, who have suffered two defeats and two postponements in the last four games, host Division One rivals Downham tomorrow.