Gorleston 5, Ipswich Cranes 0

HOCKEY: Gorleston went into this game in second place with Cranes third, so a close match looked likely.

A great result came from probably the best hockey Gorleston have played this season against tough opposition. The tactic of a compact five in midfield looked good, and it will be interesting to see if Gorleston use this next match against Bury III away.

The game started brightly for Gorleston with Simon Long and Andrew Lilly picking out some great through balls to wingers Mark Vaudin and Saraj Raput. They created some decent half-chances for Neil Hudson that were saved by the keeper.

Gorleston changed their formation for this game with a 4-5-1 tactic, letting Richard Pallant sit so Simon Long could support lone striker Neil Hudson. And it seemed to be working extremely well.

With 10 minutes gone Saraj Raput’s wizardry down the left wing created a golden chance for Andrew Lilly at the top of the D. He struck it cleanly going towards the bottom corner, then an Ipswich defender deflected it into the top corner, leaving the keeper stranded. the lead was no more than Gorleston deserved.

Ipswich Cranes had hardly threatened at all but just before half-time their striker was through on goal and one-on-one, but Barney King made a great save to deny him.

After half-time Gorleston had all the possession again with Martin Vaudin picking out great long balls to the attackers from defence.

It wasn’t long before Simon Long found the back of the net following good link-up play from captain Kevin Mcdonald.

The game became rougher due to Ipswich’s frustration, and they committed many fouls, but Gorleston gave as good as they got. However, a late and hard tackle from Richard Pallant, who brought down the Ipswich midfielder, saw him sin-binned.

As of late, when Gorleston have been a man down, they have knuckled down and played better.

Soon a shot from Russ Crawford that was stopped on the line by an Ipswich defender earned Gorleston a penalty. Saraj Raput’s nerves held and he made it 3-0.

Straight from push-back Gorleston won the ball through Jason Austin and a great solo run from Mark Vaudin ended with a tackle which brought the Ipswich midfielder a trip to the sin bin, evening up the teams until dissent towards the umpire by Kevin Mcdonald brought him a sin bin period and Gorleston had nine players to Ipswich’s 10.

From the resulting short corner Russ Crawford was taken down by the keeper in the box for another penalty flick for Gorleston. Saraj Raput converted it in the same place with the keeper narrowingly missing. Gorleston were 4-0 up and cruising.

With only five minutes to go Gorleston’s players Rob Harlow, Herman Cheung and Monty Raymond were playing the ball around beautifully which led to a great chance for Simon Long and he scored his second through the keeper’s legs.

Squad against Ipswich Cranes: Barney King, Rob Harlow, Herman Cheung, Martin Vaudin, Jason Austin, Kevin Mcdonald (capt), Richard Pallant, Andrew Lilly, Mark Vaudin, Saraj Raput, Monty Raymond, Simon Long, Russ Crawford, Neil Hudson.