Thetford 1, Gorleston 4GORLESTON gained three more valuable Ridgeons first division points at Thetford on Tuesday evening ahead of visits to Stowmarket tomorrow and Fakenham on Tuesday.

Thetford 1, Gorleston 4

GORLESTON gained three more valuable Ridgeons first division points at Thetford on Tuesday evening ahead of visits to Stowmarket tomorrow and Fakenham on Tuesday.

Weather conditions were grim with a very strong wind and persistent rain. Thetford are a young team with several more experienced players to complement their side and under the managership of Mick Money have had some fine results of late including a 0-0 draw with Halstead and a 1-0 victory at Godmanchester, writes Mick Heard.

Gorleston made several changes from Saturday's draw at Swaffham with Pete Lambert, Ben Manning and Harry Maddison absent through university, college and work commitments respectively.

Striker Gary Ingram returned to the line-up and went close early on.

Chances generally were few and far between in the early stages but Gorleston's defence proved to be strong throughout.

On 40 minutes the Greens took the lead when John Bell released Steve Taylor with an astute pass and

the midfield player coolly slotted the ball home.

Thetford came back very strongly at the beginning of the second half but in the 63rd minute Gorleston made the score 2-0 when Lee Hunter crashed a volley into the net.

Ten minutes from the end Gary Clayton gave Thetford some hope when he bundled the ball home.

Gorleston were not to be denied and Lee Hunter scored two more goals to complete his hat-trick.

New signing Kevin Howes brilliantly flicked the ball through to Hunter who slotted it home in typical style and just before the end Hunter scored again to celebrate his 20th league goal of the season and 25 in all competitions, including cup goals.

Kevin Howes is a tall target man type of centre forward with experience at Kirkley and Yarmouth and is regaining full fitness while Paul Hunter, another recent signing, had another impressive match in central midfield alongside Steve Taylor.

However, this was a good all-round team performance with Regan Harman, who has been impressive with Gorleston Reserves, deservedly coming into the team on the left wing and acquitting himself very well.

Mick Money, the Thetford manager, was very gracious in defeat.