Match Reports - Championship Season 2004/05

Thetford 2-8 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Thetford for their last league game against their toughest opponent of the season. Gorleston travelled with a weakened team thanks partly to a late withdrawal Friday night. Gorleston started the game going straight on the attack finding space down the right flank. Gorleston were able to put pressure immediately on the Thetford keeper and defence. Gorleston's pressure soon saw a Thetford player sent off for a foul on a Gorleston player on the top of the d. Gorleston's numerical advantage soon showed with several short corners. Jamie Higginbotham’s shot was stopped on the line by a foot, which lead to Tom Wiltshire stepping up to take the penalty flick and give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston seemed to give some space to the Thetford midfield and they were able to counter attack, with Gorleston backing off, Thetford were able to find space in the d and finish to level the game. Gorleston started to raise their game and Mark Vaudin was able to break down the right and cross for Simon Cottingham who finished to give Gorleston the lead back. Gorleston were able to keep the pressure on and again were rewarded with a short corner, Higginbotham was able to apply the finish to give Gorleston a comfortable lead into the half time break.
Gorleston started the second half with the defence able to step up in particular Martin Vaudin and Thomas Woodrow to add to the attack. Gorleston saw good link up play again down the right and were able to cross into the path of Tom Wiltshire who extended the Gorleston lead. Gorleston now just walking away with the game saw Marcus Satchel get him name on the score sheet with a well struck shot sneaking past the keeper. Gorleston soon received another short corner, which was switched to Mark Vaudin who finally got him name on the score sheet with a shot that deflected off the keeper into the net of the goal. Gorleston again had a numerical advantage when a Thetford player was sent off for violent conduct. Gorleston saw Malcolm Berry score to keep Gorleston's goal count ticking over. Gorleston still taking advantage down the right saw Jamie Higginbotham and Mark Vaudin combine for the best move of the game with Higginbotham applying the finish to score. Gorleston were then left with nine men on the pitch when Dale Kemp was harshly sent off for deliberate foot. Gorleston were unlucky then to concede a short corner, which Thetford converted. Gorleston were able to hold on until the end off the game. This meant that Gorleston went though the season undefeated.

Harleston Magpies VI 1-1 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Harleston for an early start with a slightly weakened team due to illness. Gorleston had to reshuffle the pack, which saw Thomas Woodrow recalled back into the right back position. Gorleston started the game looking half asleep allowing the Harleston attack a lot of room. Gorleston found the water-based pitch very difficult to come to terms with because of the bounce of the ball. Harleston were able to take advantage and capitalise on several chances, which were dealt with by Dennis and Ben Goodman. Gorleston on one of the rare attacks of the game were able to gain a short corner but due to an intricate part of the routine missing could not pose any sort of threat. With Gorleston's confidence rising the defence started to push forward leaving a big gap behind it. It was not long before Harleston started to expose the gap with a more direct approach. Harleston were able to capitalise on the pace they had up front by breaking close to the midfield line. Gorlestons defence could not recover and Harleston were able to go one up with a calmly taken goal. Gorleston started to push again this time Jamie Higginbotham was allowed time to shoot, his goal bound shot was deflected wide, by the chest of one of Harlestons defenders. Gorleston finished the half under pressure from Harleston.
Gorleston started the second half bringing Mark Vaudin into midfield to try and help with the distribution of the ball. Gorleston struggled again to match the Harleston midfield due to how narrow they were playing. Gorleston were able to with stand several attacks that went very close. Gorleston now very rattled due to the lack of time given on the ball soon sore Higginbotham pick up a green card for a soft foul near the half way line. Only moments late Marcus Satchel was also given a green card for another soft foul. Gorleston were soon able to win the ball on the half way line though Martin Vaudin who released Mark Vaudin, he was able to play the ball into Higginbotham who turned his man and found Simon Cottingham who was able to battle and squeeze the ball into the back of the goal. Gorleston were able to hold on to the draw and almost winning the game with a short corner on the final whistle, which Martin Vaudin was unable to get on target. Gorleston have only one league game left after Pelicans have conceded this weeks game.

Bury V 1-5 Gorleston

Gorleston after being confirmed as league champions could now focus on their unbeaten run this season. Gorleston travelled away to Bury on a blustery Saturday afternoon, with a slightly weakened defence. Gorleston started the game and found immediately that a long ball game could pay dividends against a team that pushed high up the pitch. Gorleston found by playing the more open long ball game that they were also being over exposed down their right flank. The tactics were soon adjusted to compensate for this and it was not long before Mark Vaudin played the ball over the top for Andrew Lilly to run onto. He managed to get to the by line and cross in for Simon Cottingham to score to give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston now looking to apply pressure were soon able to gain a short corner, which Jamie Higginbotham struck but a Bury player stopped the ball on the line with his foot resulting in a penalty flick, which Higginbotham converted. Gorleston were in total control with Martin Vaudin able to turn defence into attack with his long searching balls. Gorleston finished the half gaining a short corner, which Higginbotham converted.
Gorleston started the second half with the introduction of Thomas Woodrow who had an outstanding game in defence along with Ben Goodman. Neither team could get control of the ball with both teams struggling to look likely to score. Gorleston however were able to find joy again down the right before a cross was made for Tom Wiltshire who was able to convert to make the game four nil in Gorlestons favour. Gorleston were then unfortunate to concede several short corners which a dubious decision saw Bury given a goal. Gorleston were able to bounce back and gained another short corner that Higginbotham placed into the back of the goal to make the score five one. Gorleston finished still undefeated this season with only four games to go. Next game at Cliff Park 2.30 push back.

Gorleston 7-0 Lowestoft Railway III

Gorleston welcomed Railway on a very cold Saturday afternoon. Gorleston had to reshuffle the pack due to sickness and unavailability. This saw John McKinnan welcomed back to the team. Gorleston started the game full of optimism and this soon showed with several attacks, which on another day would have seen Gorleston take the lead. It was not long before Martin Vaudin managed to break down the right and cross for Malcolm Berry to apply the finish to give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston were again on the attack and this time Berry became provider as his shot was deflected to Jamie Higginbotham who volleyed home to give Gorleston a comfortable lead. Vaudin was again able to break after the restart, his cross to the far post was met by John McKinnan who scored and gave Gorleston a three nil lead to go in to the break.
Gorleston started the second half much like the first in control but it was not long before Railway were able to get the ball and apply some pressure to the Gorleston defence which was lead by Mark Vaudin. With good defensive displays by Ben Goodman and Dale Kemp, Railway could not break the Gorleston line. Railway started to show signs of frustration and made several rash challenges which spurred Gorleston on. It was not long before Marcus Satchel got the ball in a good position to cross to John McKinnan who slotted home to give Gorleston another goal. Gorleston now back in charge saw Higginbotham break down the right and cut into the dee, his shot was unstoppable and gave Gorleston another great goal. Railway now completely out of it saw one of their players sent off for swearing at the umpire. In the dying minutes Gorleston increased thir lead when Martin Vaudin was able to slot the ball home on the far post to cap a fine display. With results going their way Gorleston are now league champions.

Gorleston 6-2 Harleston Magpies VII

Gorleston after their awarded win of last week against Thetford played host to Harleston. With this game only being their second game since the Christmas break, Gorleston were very hopeful for this game. Starting again with the same line up that drew with Pelicans it was not long before Gorleston were able to gain control of the ball and work at breaking the Harleston defence down. Andrew Lilly was able to make a break down the right wing and cut in before finding Simon Cottingham who calmly slotted home. Gorleston were very comfortable and Jamie Higginbotham was able to win the ball in the centre of the park and attacked down the left and managed to get to the goal line and pull the ball back to Tom Wiltshire, whose shot was touched in by Andrew Lilly. Gorleston again on the attack saw Simon Cottingham pick out Jamie Higginbotham in the dee, before he placed the ball into the bottom right corner. Gorleston let Harleston back into the game but with solid defending from Martin Vaudin and Ben Goodman managed to stop any real goal threat. Mark Vaudin who had a good game got caught in the Gorleston half and turned over the ball. This angered Jamie Higginbotham who expressed his displeasure with an outburst that saw him yellow carded and sent to the sin bin (dunces corned). Gorleston managed to last the half with ten men.
Gorleston started the second half still down to ten men. When Higginbotham was allowed to re-enter the field of play Gorleston struggled to win the ball back and conceded several short corners. Gorleston were able to save several shots on the line but eventually Harleston managed to squeeze a shot in to make the game 3-1. Gorleston restarted and it was not long before Tom Wiltshire was able to win the ball and on his run he managed to break several tackles before calmly slotting the ball home to give Gorleston the upper hand again. Gorleston were again able to attack and win a short corner. Martin Vaudin stopped for Higginbotham to strike home for Gorleston to look very comfortable. Gorleston's Malcolm Berry who whilst being substituted decided to argue with the umpire also earned himself a trip to dunces corner. Gorleston struggled to defend the left which let Harleston back in and they managed to score. After the introduction of Mathew Smith, who had several good chances denied, Gorleston looked a little more comfortable. Tom Wiltshire was able to break down the left and a Harleston player then deflected his cross into the goal, but as hockey rules state you cannot score an own goal, Wiltshire claimed it. This is how the game ended. Gorleston now need only four points to win the league. Next game 4pm push back at Cliff Park against Lowestoft Railway III.

Pelicans IV 2-2 Gorleston

Gorleston after their extended Christmas break travelled to Kings Lynn to play Pelicans on a day that could be described as miserable to say the least. With several players reporting back to the squad either injured or unfit. Gorleston shuffled the pack to give them a bit of bite up front. This tactic worked from the off seeing the Pelicans' defence put under pressure immediately. Pelicans could not get out of their d. Gorleston soon saw several chances go just wide. Pelicans were able to break quickly and gain a short corner. Gorleston guessed correctly what variation they were going to use and won the ball back. Gorleston were able to retain the ball and work down the wings though Malcolm Berry and Andrew Lilly, soon winning a free hit just outside the Pelicans d. The hard working Simon Cottingham played the ball into the area and the ball rebounded off a Pelican foot into the path of Jamie Higginbotham who reverse swept the ball into the goal to give Gorleston the lead. After the restart Gorleston were able to win the ball and it was not long before Marcus Satchel was able to drift out to the right wing with the ball and play the ball into the d where Higginbotham was again able to strike the ball first time into the bottom right hand corner of the goal to give Gorleston a comfortable lead. Gorleston then saw the introduction of Jack Ollington replacing Ben Goodman at right back. Gorleston looked to have complete control of this game with Martin and Mark Vaudin controlling the defence very well but with the last action of the half, Gorleston conceded a short corner. Pelicans were able to convert the short corner and give themselves some hope of a way back into this game.
Gorleston started the second half with a more defensive attitude to the game sitting back and counter-attacking. Gorleston were able to soak most pressure up but could have conceded several more goals were it not for good defensive performances by Dale Kemp and Dennis the goalkeeper. Gorleston were able to hold out for 20 minutes before a stray ball fell to a Pelicans player who broke down the right and a cross was deflected by a Gorleston player, on to the keeper's foot, into the goal to level the game. This shocked Gorleston back into action and the onslaught saw the Gorleston attack miss several chances from close range. Gorleston saw around ten chances in total go wide or straight at the keeper before the end of the game. Gorleston can take heart in the fact they are still top of the table and undefeated and their good first half performance and hopefully all the rust will have gone by next week's game against Thetford which is at 2.30 pm at Cliff Park.

Gorleston 5-4 Pelicans IV

Gorleston had the pleasure of entertaining Pelicans in this rearranged league fixture. With the game so close to Christmas and the team suffering several injuries, Gorleston had to shuffle the pack and call up Michael Tadross to the team. With only 11 players available Gorleston had to think carefully about the tactics they played. Pelicans had push back and went on the attack immediately. Gorleston were not able to withstand the onslaught and it was not long before they conceded a short corner, from which Pelicans were able to score. This woke Gorleston up and they went on the attack. They looked menacing but could not really break though the Pelicans' defence. However, Pelicans could not contain the Gorleston attack and the home team gained a short corner. Jamie Higginbotham stepped up to take it and although his shot was blocked the rebound fell to Simon Cottingham who was able to squeeze the ball past the Pelicans' keeper to level the game. Gorleston now in total control saw Higginbotham go on a run with the ball. As he got into the dee his slipped pass was deflected into the path of Simon Cottingham for him to collect his second goal of the game and give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston now in front looked to be in control but found it hard to keep the ball in midfield, which put pressure on the defence lead by Martin Vaudin ably supported by Dale Kemp. Gorleston were able to hold the score until the end of the half.
The home team started the second half a little better then the first but still found the going tough and it was not long before Pelicans scored to level the game. Gorleston had no answer to this and Pelicans were able to break though again and score. Gorleston's heads dropped a little and this allowed Pelicans in again to let them score and make the game look beyond Gorleston. Marcus Satchel now sitting on the Pelicans playmaker to nullify their threat in midfield and the reintroduction of Mark Vaudin made Gorleston look more stable. Gorleston got the ball deep in their half and a quick pass from Martin Vaudin found Higginbotham out on the right he played the ball forward for Tom Wiltshire to get the faintest of touches to score and put Gorleston back in the game. Gorleston again were able to find joy by playing the ball back out to the right for Higginbotham to pick Wiltshire again for him to slot home from close range to level the game. With the game now very open, both teams had several chances but Gorleston were able to break the deadlock when Mark Vaudin was able to break forward. His shot was blocked by a Pelicans player's body, and when everyone stopped thinking the shot was a foul Higginbotham reacted quickly to play the ball and place it in the left corner to give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston knew there were only two minutes left so decided to defend. Gorleston were lucky not to concede but hung on to win leaving them twelve points clear at the Christmas break.

Gorleston 4-1 Harleston Magpies VI

Now six points clear at the top of their league with only two games before the Christmas break, Gorleston knew they had to keep the pressure up. The home team were however forced to change the starting line up due to suspension and player unavailability. This saw Mark Vaudin step into midfield and Dale Kemp into centre defence. Gorleston started the game with very relaxed play and as Harleston had several good playmakers in midfield they were able to keep possession for long periods. Gorleston were fortunate that Ben Goodman and Jack Ollington were able to hold them at bay. Despite the away team's good possession however Andrew Lilly managed to break down the right and put in a good cross only for Tom Wiltshire to miss on the far post. Another breaking run, this time by Jamie Higginbotham led to Gorleston's first goal. His cross led to a slipped pass to Andrew Lilly, which earned a short corner. This short corner was perfectly executed and stopped by Martin Vaudin for Higginbotham to place the ball in the bottom left corner to give Gorleston the lead going into the break.
Gorleston started the second half on the attack and it was not long before they won another short corner. Using the same routine Higginbotham managed to find the bottom right hand corner to put the home side two goals up. Gorleston were now comfortable and although they again conceded possession for long periods to Harleston, there never seemed to be any danger of them scoring. However, an unfortunate altercation saw the Gorleston captain Tom Wiltshire pick up his second yellow card of the season. Now down to ten men, Gorleston resorted to the best form of defence which was attack and they soon gained another short corner with Mark Vaudin deputising to inject the ball to his brother Martin for Higginbotham to slam into the bottom right corner to collect his hat trick. Gorleston now happy they had won the game took their foot off the gas allowing Harleston to get into the Gorleston D, where they managed to get a short corner which led to the away team's only goal of the match. Back at full strength, Gorleston were again able to attack and a wild shot by Marcus Satchel was deflected though the keeper's legs by Andrew Lilly to give the home team a three goal lead. Gorleston are now nine points clear at the top of the table with only one game left before Christmas.

Pelicans IV 0-4 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Kings Lynn for their latest league match. Gorleston started the day five points clear with a game in hand but knew this game was one of the more difficult away games, due to the fact that at home they could only manage a four all draw. With several players missing from the defensive line Marcus Satchel had to become an emergency right back where he played very well. With several other starting players complaining of illness and injury the starting line up was questionable. The game started very brightly for Gorleston, they managed to start with a very high tempo which saw them go on the attack, and with only minutes gone where able to gain a short corner, which Martin Vaudin stopped for Jamie Higginbotham to strike in the bottom right corner to put Gorleston in front. With good work down the left though Malcolm Berry Gorleston were able to win a free hit which Martin Vaudin was able to take quickly to find Andrew Lilly who finished to put Gorleston two up. Andrew Lilly was again on hand in a goalmouth scramble that saw his shot stopped on the line by a foot. Higginbotham took the preceding penalty flick, he went for power, and pulled his shot wide of the post. Gorleston stayed on the attack for the rest of the half having several close chances though Tom Wiltshire and Jamie Higginbotham.
The second half started with Pelicans pinning Gorleston in their 25-yard line but they could not break though the defence of Mark Vaudin and Ben Goodman. With the all out attack Pelicans were now trying, it left a big gap between there midfield and defence which Gorleston where able to exploit and it was not long before Thomas Woodrow was able to get on the score sheet, he picked the ball off the far post and slotted the ball home. Gorleston were again able to go on the attack again with Higginbotham able to thread the ball though to Wiltshire, he was able to shoot and beat the Pelicans keeper. Pelicans now started to show frustration and one of their players was sent off for petulance. Simon Cottingham who was having a good game did not learn from the Pelican player who got sent off and a bit of shirt pulling got himself sent to the sin bin again and possibly earned himself a game ban. Gorleston were able to control the game and again a Pelicans player got himself sent off for arguing with the umpire leaving Gorleston able to hold the ball and play the clock down to come out comfortable winners. With the only disappointment of the day, the Gorleston player sending off. Gorleston are looking forward to there next two home games before the Christmas break now six points clear and a game in hand.

Gorleston 4-2 Bury III

Gorleston entertained Bury in their latest league fixture. The home team, now five points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, were starting to break away from the rest at the top of the table. Knowing this, Gorleston knew this game was going to be difficult so all players had to be at their best. With only one key player missing from the starting line up due to illness, Gorleston only had one position to change, but instead changed eight players for the start of the game. Consequently Gorleston started the game looking a little confused with both wingers playing as centre forwards and their defenders very deep. This made the game very open allowing Bury to get at the Gorleston defence. Gorleston went on the attack but Bury nullified this easily. It was not long before the away team were able to capitalise and score from a very acute angle with a shot which keeper Dennis Eke thought he had well covered. Gorleston looked bewildered and instead of trying to compose themselves piled forward without any shape or purpose, which just lead to more Bury possession and a second well-worked goal. Gorleston managed to get themselves back in the game when they gained a short corner that Mark Vaudin struck well but was saved on the line by a Bury foot. From the resulting penalty Peter Jones confidently scored to put the home team back in the game.
Half time saw the introduction of Jamie Higginbotham who was unfit to start. Gorleston went on the attack and almost immediately gained a short corner that Higginbotham connected with and Andrew Lilly applied the finish to level the game. Gorleston now seemed very comfortable on the ball and were able to retain possession for long periods to cause problems for the Bury defence and a third goal seemed inevitable. 10 minutes from the end with Bury pinned in their twenty five, they gave away another short corner that Peter Jones put away in stylish fashion to give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston finished the game with a short corner that saw Higginbotham reverse the ball to Jones who struck goalwards for Lilly to finish at the far post on the final whistle.

Gorleston 10-0 Lowestoft Railway III

Gorleston now comfortable at the top of Division 5 East believed that they needed to send out a statement to the rest of the League and hosting Lowestoft who were bottom of the table seemed the best opponents to do this with. With the returning Peter Jones up front but several key players missing, Gorleston knew this game could be difficult if Railway were given the chance to play. Gorleston won the toss and elected to play with the sun to their back, giving Railway the ball to start. Gorleston started well with good closing down by Marcus Satchel and Malcolm Berry. Gorleston were soon able to retain the ball in midfield, which saw Jones released but he fired just wide. It was not long before Jones was again released and shot from a similar place but this time found the top left corner of the goal to put Gorleston in front. Gorleston were again able to win the ball and with good wing play by Andrew Lilly, he found Satchel who finished to put Gorleston two up. Lowestoft were unable to get out of their dee, and after the introduction of David Sahota, Gorleston were able to break again and saw Satchel apply the finish to make the game three nil in Gorleston's favour. Gorleston's defence were able to get a touch when the ball got deep into the Gorleston half but Ben Goodman and Jack Ollington had plenty of time to deal with it, as there was no real pressure by the Railway attack. With Martin Vaudin able to pick any loose scraps up and release his brother Mark to add to the Gorleston attack. Gorleston again in control were able to find the back of the net again with good build up play finished off by Simon Cottingham to bring the half to an end.
Gorleston were able to go on the attack again at the beginning of the half with the introduction of Mark LeCont on the right wing. It was not long before Gorleston found the back of the goal again though Jones with a well work move started from the back. Gorleston were able to take the ball back at will from the bemused Railway team and Satchel added another goal to give him his hat trick. With Lilly moving to the left wing it was not long before he picked the ball up to place past the Railway keeper to make the game a rout now with chants from the crowd for 10. Gorleston were able to shuffle the pack, which saw Cottingham go up front and with immediate effect was able to score to add to his tally. It was not long before Higginbotham got on the score sheet with a well worked move that he made look difficult but somehow found the back of the goal. With time running down Higginbotham was able to latch on to a lose ball and found Cottingham on the far post to score and get his hat trick. Gorleston finished the game content with the message they sent out considering they didn't even get out of second gear.

Harleston Magpies VII 0-2 Gorleston

Gorleston now top of the table by goal difference and a game in hand, travelled to Harleston. With an almost full squad to choose from Gorleston were able to shuffle the pack seeing starts for Mathew Smith and the returning Thomas Woodrow. Gorleston started the game well putting pressure on the Harleston defence but unable to contain the Harleston midfield. Gorleston were able to gain a good chance, which Thomas Woodrow was able to convert to put Gorleston in front. With fifteen minutes gone Gorleston saw the introduction of Tom Wiltshire who lasted all of thirty seconds, as he managed to get a calf injury running onto the pitch. This saw the reshuffle of the Gorleston team again which seemed to unsettle them. Gorleston unable to hold the ball made Harleston play the ball around the Gorleston twenty five yard line but with good defending by Mark Vaudin, Martin Vaudin, Ben Goodman and Jack Ollington could not break though. This was pretty much how the half ended with neither team gaining any real advantage but Gorleston having the better of the half.
The second half started again with Gorleston changing their line up again which seemed to settle them again and allowing them to play a more fluid style of hockey. Gorleston were now able to use the passing of Martin Vaudin out of the back and the forward running of Mark Vaudin to unleash Andrew Lilly down the right flank and Dale Kemp down the left. Gorleston however seemed to find it difficult to break though the Harleston defence. Gorleston were able to scrap their way into the Harleston D which saw a wildly struck ball by Marcus Satchel find the back of the goal to put Gorleston two up. Gorleston took Simon Cottingham taken off as a precaution as he became vocal again against both umpires to save him from a ban. Cottingham's replacement was David Sahota who went into the defence. With the clock running down Gorleston were able to go on the attack again, and Andrew Lilly crossed, which Jamie Higginbotham managed to connect and hit the keeper in the chest. Gorleston managed to finish the game in Harleston's half a little disappointed with the performance after last week's but content that they are now three points clear at the top of their league.

Thetford 1-2 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Thetford for this top of the table clash, with Thetford three points ahead, but Gorleston a game in hand, Gorleston could go top with victory. Gorleston started the game that saw Thetford have to go on the defensive straight away. Thetford soaked up the pressure for five minutes before turning the tables on Gorleston and attacking the Gorleston defence. This saw Gorleston's Martin Vaudin and Ben Goodman being called into action with both players having solid games. Gorleston gradually got back in the game with good midfield work from Andrew Lilly, Malcolm Berry and Simon Cottingham. Gorleston were soon able to pin Thetford into their 25 but due to poor finishing and poor umpiring Gorleston could not capitalise. Both teams pushing to win any loose ball it was no surprise that Cottingham gained himself a green card for his aggressive style of play. The umpires then had to speak to both captains to try and calm the game down bringing the half to an end.
Gorleston started the second half much like the first half holding Thetford in their 25 again and it was not long before Wiltshire went close as did Higginbotham from a short corner. Thetford were able to break quickly and get a shot off but Dale Kemp managed to save on the line. Thetford were able to gain a short corner and against the run of play scored. Gorleston now up against it threw everything at Thetford and a lovely through ball by Mark Vaudin, was picked up by Tom Wiltshire, who applied the finish to level the game. Gorleston now in total control lost Cottingham again to a yellow card for arguing with the umpire. This did not seem to disturb Gorleston's rhythm as they kept piling forward. Gorleston again got in the Thetford D and in the scramble saw Jamie Higginbotham shoot, which Tom Wiltshire managed to deflect into the goal and put Gorleston 2-1 up. Gorleston again on the attack gained a short corner, which crossed the line, but the umpire judged it to be too high to count. Gorleston managed to keep their composure and hold on to the end of the game for the win putting them back on top of the table. Next game at Harleston 4pm push back.

Harleston Magpies VII 3-5 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Harleston in second place of division five, only two points behind league leaders Thetford. Gorleston had an almost full team to select from with the returning Thomas Woodrow going up front. Gorleston started the game very well with, some good structured attacks, which saw Gorleston go close on several occasions, however Harleston were able to break and gain a short corner. This short corner Gorleston were able to block but the deflection fell to a Harleston player who managed to scramble the ball into the goal putting Harleston one up. This stunned Gorleston, and it was not long before Jamie Higginbotham received the ball at the top of the D and worked his way inside to shoot just wide. Gorleston were then able to recapture the ball in midfield though Martin Vaudin who linked up with Tom Wiltshire and Thomas Woodrow who found Andrew Lilly attacking down the right and crossing for Simon Cottingham to finish a superb move. Gorleston were again on the attack and it was not long before they gained a short corner that Jamie Higginbotham placed into the bottom right corner to put Gorleston in the lead. Gorleston now in total control, saw Wiltshire score from close range to finish the half 3-1 up.
With the second half starting much the same as the first with Gorleston on the attack, it was not long before Gorleston saw several shots go agonisingly close but poor finishing let them down. This was until Mark Vaudin drove down the right wing into the D and saw his driven shot deflected into the goal by a Harleston defender. Gorleston then seemed to lose concentration, allowing Harleston to score. Gorleston now rattled could not keep possession of the ball allowing several shots that were saved on the goal line by Satchel, Lilly and finally Higginbotham to keep Gorleston in front. However Gorleston could not live with this onslaught and conceded again. Gorleston on the restart were able to counter which saw Wiltshire score once again to put Gorleston in a comfortable position. Late in the game Gorleston made the game more difficult for themselves when Wiltshire and them Simon Cottingham got sent off for silly tackles. Gorleston were able to finish the on the attack with nine men.

Gorleston 4-4 Pelicans III

Gorleston stated the day topping the table by goal difference knowing only a win would keep them there. With this knowledge Gorleston stated the game with a very high tempo, which Pelicans could not match. This soon led to a Gorleston break which sore some good link up play between Tom Wiltshire and Martin Vaudin, who then found Jamie Higginbotham in space but he shot wide of the goal. Gorleston seemed to have all the possession and it was not long before Higginbotham found himself with his back to goal at the top of the D, with a swift turn and a flick of his wrists he was able to find the bottom left corner of the goal to put Gorleston one up. Gorleston seemed to run out of steam allowing Pelicans room to play. Pelicans used this space well and pressed Gorleston's defence making them play deeper which in turn allowed Pelicans several chances to shoot. With this pressure it was inevitable that Pelicans would score to level the match. Gorleston's defence then seemed to lose the plot and suffered against the speed and skill of Pelican's attack. In their confusion Gorleston.s defence had allowed further attacks and Pelicans made the score two one at half time.
Gorleston had a reshuffle at half time to try and tighten the defence up. This seemed to work as Gorleston were again able to put pressure on the Pelican's goal unfortunately Pelicans were able to make a quick break which seemed to be going nowhere until a mistake by the Gorleston defence allowed Pelicans to walk the ball into the goal. Gorleston now rattled could not hold the ball, and with Gorleston losing possession on their own 25yard line, Pelicans capitalized and scored again making the score 4-1. Gorlestons heads dropped and Pelicans were in on goal again but Andrew Lilly stopped the ball on the line. Gorleston then saw the introduction of Dale Kemp, who was returning from injury, in the left midfield slot. His link up play with Jack Ollington made the left side harder to break down. Gorleston now on the attack again were able to win a short corner which saw a good stop by Martin Vaudin and a powerful shot by Jamie Higginbotham who found the bottom right corner to give Gorleston some hope in this game. Gorleston were soon able to win the ball back though Mark Vaudin who worked down the left flank and crossed to Higginbotham who calmly played the ball past the Pelican's keeper to make the score 4-3 and give him his hat trick. Gorleston now back in the game saw several shots go wide before Mark Vaudin found himself in a good position and struck the ball towards the goal which was kindly deflected through Andrew Lilly's legs into the Pelican's goal to level the game. As Gorleston ran to celebrate the goal it was noticed that a Pelican's player was on the floor - it turned out a Gorleston stick in the goalmouth melee had knocked him out. He was taken to hospital to be checked out. After the restart Gorleston again had several chances to win the game but could not finish. Gorleston can take heart in the fact that results went their way leaving them one point clear at the top of the table but should be disappointed by the chances missed and the way the goals were conceded.

Bury V 0-2 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Bury to continue their impressive start to their league campaign. On arrival Gorleston received the news that two players had broken down on the way and were struggling to make the start of the game. With minutes too spare Gorleston's missing two arrived to put the team back to full strength. Gorleston started the game a little slow allowing Bury to get at the Gorleston defence, but with impressive performances from Mark Vaudin, Jack Ollington and Marcus Satchel Bury were closed down fast. Gorleston started to press and a run from midfield led to a Gorleston short corner which Jamie Higginbotham went to strike but only managed to rip the pitch. His second shot was blocked but fell kindly to Simon who slotted home to put Gorleston in front. Gorleston were able to keep the pressure up with good work from Tomas Woodrow and Malcolm Berry. Gorleston had several more descent chances during the first half but seemed to over complicate the moves when a simple finish would have done.
The second half began with Gorleston soon able to gain the upper hand with a counter attack which saw Tom Wiltshire and Martin Vaudin link up well with Vaudin finishing and putting Gorleston two up. Gorleston then seemed to take their foot off the gas and allow Bury to play a bit and Bury soon thought they had scored but (with a bit of persuasion) the goal was not allowed to stand due to a Bury player kicking the ball before it had crossed the line off a Gorleston stick. With Gorleston tiring and the poor pitch not helping Bury were able to play a long ball tactic, which seemed to work in bypassing the midfield and pitting the Bury forwards against the Gorleston defence. Fortunately Gorleston's defence come out on top with Dennis the goalkeeper having very little to do.

Lowestoft Railway III 0-5 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Lowestoft for their second Printwise league match. With several key players unavailable Gorleston had to rearrange the line up. Gorleston were able to win the coin toss and gain the ball for the start of the game. Gorleston were able to retain possession of the ball and demonstrate how to keep the ball, frustrating the opposition. Gorleston were soon able to convert the possession into several shots, which saw Tom Wiltshire miss from close range. Railway were able to muster an attack, with a lifted ball over the Gorleston midfield and defence, which saw Gorleston's goalkeeper Dennis being called upon to clear. With Gorleston winning the central battle but losing possession down the flanks Gorleston had to play with a narrow style of play which soon paid dividends when Wiltshire managed to score putting Gorleston one up before the break.
Gorleston restarted the second half much like they finished the first on the up. This start saw Wiltshire run with the ball and add to his tally to put Gorleston two up. Gorleston now dominating the game saw John Tadross get on the score sheet with two fine goals in close succession of each other. Gorleston still looked uncomfortable dealing with Railway's wide play and highball tactics were able to hold off the attack with fine defensive displays again from Mark Vaudin, Martin Vaudin and Andrew Lilly. With Gorleston's midfield starting to tire, Jamie Higginbotham was lucky to stay on the pitch with a late tackle on one of Railway's players. With the game nearly over the introduction of Mathew up front for the injured Wiltshire almost paid immediately with him hitting the post. Gorleston on the attack again saw Mathew who snuck in from behind to find Higginbotham who played to ball in the top left corner to make the score 5-0. Gorleston can be happy with the performance of Simon in midfield which again was very busy.

Gorleston 5-0 Harleston Magpies VII

Gorleston started their new Printwise league campaign off in blustery conditions. With a full strength team to call upon, Gorleston were able to field a very attack orientated formation. Gorleston won the toss to start the game. Gorleston were able to go on the attack straight away with Tomas Woodrow demonstrating excellent control down the left flank. The home team were soon able to win a short corner which saw Martin Vaudin slotting the ball home on the far post. Gorleston were soon on the attack again with Simon winning the ball in midfield, he found Peter Jones who played a one two with Jamie Higginbotham before firing home with a well-worked goal. With Gorleston in complete control Harleston were able to mount a rare attack, which had to call Andrew Lilly and Dennis the goalkeeper into action with fine defensive displays. Gorleston were able to go back on the attack with Simon again winning the ball in midfield, he found Higginbotham at the top of the D who managed to turn and place the ball past the on coming Harleston goal keeper. Gorleston finished the half 3-0 up.
The second half started with a line up change, seeing Michael Tadross going up front and Mathew going to right midfield. Gorleston were able to keep on the attack with Tom Wiltshire going close several times before creeping in on the far post to finish from close range. Gorleston started to show some tired legs, which saw the defence called upon again. With Jack and Mark Vaudin leading the defence to keep Gorlestons clean sheet. Gorleston were able to go on the attack again with Wiltshire able to finish from close range again. Gorleston were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure and counter attack, which seemed to work with Gorleston going close several times before the end of the game. In this sort of form Gorleston look to have a good chance of promotion this year.

Summer Fixtures 2004-2005

North Walsham II 2-3 Gorleston HC (Friendly)

A well battled game by Gorleston eventually saw them run out winners over a young quick and enthusiastic North Walsham side. The game started with North Walsham putting much pressure on the Gorleston defence hitting the post in the first 5 minutes. This soon provoked Gorleston to try and put pressure on to North Walsham and the first chance they got they scored with a well taken goal by Tom Wiltshire who flicked the ball over the keeper to put Gorleston 1-0 up. North Walsham reacted well 10 minutes later with a nicely struck hit into the corner of the goal to level the scores. The home team piled on the pressure and went 2-1 up on the stroke of half time with another well taken goal.
At the interval Gorleston moved Wiltshire into the central midfield holding role, put John Tadross up front and moved Marcus Satchel to defence which worked very efficiently. Gorleston came out a better team with much better passing and scored with some nice running by John Tadross who slotted home into the corner to make it 2-2. Matthew Smith who made his debut appearance for the team was chasing and closing down the opposition well. With 15 minutes to go Gorleston scored another, Mark Vaudin started the move with a great ball to Will Amey (one of Walsham's own players guesting for Gorleston) who shot from the right hand side of the goal. The shot was saved by the keeper but Amey confidently pushed the rebound home to make it 3-2 to Gorleston. Gorleston had to defend desperately in the last 15 minutes with Andrew Lilly, Marcus Satchel and Dale Kemp being solid at the back. Gorleston were put under immense pressure at the end with 1 man down as Wiltshire was yellow carded and off the pitch for the last 5 minutes after a tackle on an opposition player that the umpire did not like. But Gorleston held out and their victory was well-deserved. A good overall team performance.

Norwich City IV 3-5 Gorleston HC (Friendly)

Gorleston started the new season with a trip to Norwich on what felt like the hottest day of the year. With a depleted squad Gorleston travelled with only eleven players.
Gorleston arrived to the pitch and found the conditions very uncomfortable as the push back was at 4pm. With the start looming Gorleston set the team up with both flanks looking inexperienced. As the game started, Gorleston were able to gain the advantage and hold the ball and control the tempo, with debutant Simon in midfield finding space to distribute the ball into some good positions. Gorlestons pressure soon lead to a short corner that was poorly executed leading to a counter attack by Norwich, which opened the scoring putting Gorleston, one goal behind. This spurned Norwich into life finding a lot of space between Gorlestons midfield and defence causing all sorts of problems. Gorleston were soon able to regain some control and against the run of play managed to score through Tom Wiltshire. With the game now seesawing Gorleston broke with a good move down the left with Wiltshire again applying the finish. Gorleston finished the half with a one-goal lead.
The second half again started like the first had ended with neither team taking control with both sides having several chances it was Gorleston who managed to take advantage with Peter Jones finishing from close range. Gorleston then seemed to take their foot off the gas and with a simple foul outside the dee, Norwich found several free in the area and finished from close range. Gorleston soon regained their two-goal cushion though Peter Jones again. Norwich again battled back with another hopeful long ball not being cut out, which they managed to score from, again putting pressure back on Gorleston. This lead to Michael Tadross taking it upon himself to show some skills to beat several city players before applying the finish and take the game away from City. With both teams now tired from the heat Gorleston were able to finish the game with a very flattering result.

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