Gorleston and Great Yarmouth Town are enjoying contrasting fortunes at the beginning of the new football season.

While the Greens are prospering in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, the Bloaters are struggling in the formative stages of the First Division.

Gorleston – and particularly prolific marksman Ally McKenna – have had a week to remember.

Having won 2-1 at Stanway Rovers a week ago, the Greens then ended Norwich United’s unbeaten record on Tuesday night with a 3-1 home win over the Planters, helped by a pair of goals from the penalty spot by Keegan Middleton.

McKenna got the winner at Stanway last week, setting a club record as the first Gorleston player to score in each of the opening five league games since the Greens became founder members of the Eastern Counties League in 1935.

Richard Daniels’ side now sit in second spot in the table, three points behind leaders Hadleigh, and are off on their travels again tomorrow when they visit Felixstowe & Walton Utd.

Last season’s trip to the Seasiders provided one of the most entertaining games of the season, ending in a 4-4 draw, whilst Felixstowe ran out 2-1 winners in the Emerald Park return.

With the internationals being played this weekend, tomorrow is ‘Non League Day’, a day when supporters of the big Premier League clubs are encouraged to watch their local sides for a change. Other activities include a half-time crossbar challenge (with Ipswich Town match tickets on offer), a bouncy castle, face painting plus a pitchside BBQ.

At Great Yarmouth, the Bloaters put up a brave fight before losing 4-1 at Wroxham in the FA Cup a week ago, but were then thumped 5-0 at home in the league in midweek by King’s Lynn Town Reserves. What was worrying for club officials is that the attendance against Lynn’s second string was just 30 – the lowest of the season.

The Bloaters are 12th in the 19-team table and entertain ninth-placed Braintree Town Reserves tomorrow.