Promotion push continues

Felixstowe 2nd XI 1, Gorleston 2

GORLESTON maintained their push for promotion with a solid if unspectacular win against previously relegated Felixstowe II.

Missing five regular first team players for their mid-morning start, this was a match which could have caused an upset. But Gorleston skipper Kevin MacDonald successfully reshuffled his squad by pulling Mark Vaudin back to a more defensive role.

This had the effect of frustrating the home side's attacking capabilities, but at the same time both players were given licence to break forward which they did quickly and often enough with Jamie Higginbotham to cause major problems for the Felixstowe back line.

A player short, the best opportunity for Gorleston points was always going to be their varied short corner routines. And they got the ideal start from one of these after eight minutes when Jamie returned Mark's push-out for him to fire home under the keeper from the unexpected angle.

Felixstowe's young side however continued to play some neat hockey and was rewarded with a short corner goal of their own just before half-time.

After the interval the pattern of play continued until a moment of brilliance in the 14th minute saw Gorleston secure all three points.

Again the same three players were involved - Kevin MacDonald put Mark Vaudin clear down the right wing and when his cross came in MoM Jamie was there to sweep the ball home with an unstoppable reverse stick shot.

Gorleston now finish their season with two home games, and with other results in the Division Four North East table having gone their way on Saturday, their final position is entirely out of other hands.

With their rivals Ipswich IV and UEA II only having one game to play, a single win will secure Gorleston automatic promotion and two wins the league championship.

The next game this weekend is undoubtedly the most difficult for them - a derby against fourth placed Lowestoft Railway I at Cliff Park community pitch with push-back at 2.30pm.