Gorleston 1, Kirkley 0THIS proved to be a very beneficial friendly for Gorleston on Saturday at Emerald Park against Ridgeons Premier Division side Kirkley ahead of tomorrow's home friendly against Whitton United at Emerald Park (kick-off 2pm).

Gorleston 1, Kirkley 0

THIS proved to be a very beneficial friendly for Gorleston on Saturday at Emerald Park against Ridgeons Premier Division side Kirkley ahead of tomorrow's home friendly against Whitton United at Emerald Park (kick-off 2pm).

Kirkley included former Gorleston players Lee Hunter, Chris Henderson and Nathan Stone in their line-up, and centre forward Lee Gilman, a new acquisition from Wroxham.

It was a very hot afternoon, but plenty of endeavour was in evidence on the field.

In a well-contested first half Kirkley had a 'goal' disallowed when Stone netted from close range but was judged to be offside.

Just before the interval Gorleston delighted their fans by taking the lead with a quality goal.

A fine build-up down their left saw Chad Pillar fasten on to a through ball and outpace the Kirkley defence before beating keeper Nathan Pauling with a low drive into the far corner of the net.

Pillar has returned to the Greens in the close season and has developed into an excellent all-round centre-forward, winning numerous balls in the air for team-mates to exploit.

The second half was equally entertaining, with Kirkley forcing several corners, only to find keeper Tom Marsden and skipper Eddie Thompson in commanding form, ably supported by Adam Thurtle, Paul and former player Ben Manning who has returned to the club from Walsham-le-Willows.

Steve Taylor, another new signing, and the experienced Nathan Drake were very impressive in midfield, while Luke Goreham was used in a more attacking role on the left. Jamie Long, another local player returning to the club worked hard in midfield with Ben Gillies.

Nathan Thompson went close for Gorleston after arriving in the box following a flowing move.

Gorleston brought on experienced players in the second period, Gary Ingham, John Bell and Richie Fruin, plus Regan Harman on the left wing who has the potential to make a good impression this season.

Gorleston: T Marsden, P Todd, E Thompson, A Thurtle, B Manning, B Gillies, S Taylor, N Drake, N Thompson, C Pillar, L Goreham, J Long, J Bell, G Ingram, R Fruin, R Harman.

Kyle Howell and Ricci Butler were missing through injury while Peter Lambert was unavailable.

The committee of Gorleston FC have thanked all who contributed to the successful Norwich City game. This includes sponsors, helpers, stewards, players and Norwich City FC and groundsman John Nicholls and his helpers for their excellent work on the pitch preparation. A wonderful occasion all round.