Gorleston Reserves 2, Dereham Reserves 2There was a one minute's silence held prior to the kick-off at Emerald Park on Saturday for Robert “Sailor” Brown who died recently.

Gorleston Reserves 2, Dereham Reserves 2

There was a one minute's silence held prior to the kick-off at Emerald Park on Saturday for Robert “Sailor” Brown who died recently.

He was voted on the Gorleston website as Gorleston's finest ever player. He was an English international and was Gorleston player/manager in their most successful period 1948-56.

The players and supporters observed the minute's silence in a respectful manner.

This turned out to be a terrific game with both Gorleston Reserves and their Dereham counterparts fully committed to attack throughout and consequently the result was in the balance until the very end.

Two Gorleston players who normally play in midfield, Robbie Oldham and Steve Bishop, played in the centre of the defence as Harley Clements and Richard Gillings were both unavailable. Oldham and Bishop performed admirably.

The game started with many chances being created but it was Dereham who took the lead on 29 minutes and they held on to this until half-time.

Gorleston responded very well and equalised on 60 minutes when Mitch Forbes scored from close-range following a good Gorleston build-up.

Chances continued to arrive at both ends but Gorleston took the lead with a fine goal from Regan Harman on 71 minutes. He broke through and gave the Dereham keeper no chance with a low shot into the far corner of the net.

The pace never slackened and Dereham equalised on 90 minutes which although disappointing for Gorleston was possibly a very fair result. All the players are to be commended for putting on such an excellent show.

Gorleston Reserves are playing very attractive football this season in a high standard league and it is hoped that the supporters continue to come and watch them.

Gorleston: S Cannon; S Jones, R Oldham, S Bishop, T Tuffrey, S Butler, A Mills, B Jillies, R Harman, M Forbes, M Bowles. Subs: P Wooldridge, A Rosatti, L Popham.

Tomorrow Gorleston Reserves play a very important game away to Hemsby in the Norfolk Junior Cup, kick-off 1.45pm.