Match Reports - League Season 2005-2006

Match report 01/04/06: Gorleston 3-4 Harleston Magpies 5th XI

This was Gorleston's penultimate league match of the season and although the result was to have no bearing on promotion or relegation issues both sides produced a seven goal thriller. Gorleston opened the scoring within two minutes when Tom Wiltshire on the far post swept home a right wing cross from Russ Crawford and the hosts looked the better side for the first half hour. Then Richard Smith equalised for Harleston with a similar move and a few moments later Tim Mann jinked his way into the D to give the visitors a half-time lead.
Early in the second half Gorleston scored the best goal of the game - a free hit on the left side into the circle was dangerously lifted by a defender's stick at Russ Crawford who superbly deflected it into the net chest high. But Harleston retaliated with 2 more goals from Andy Caston and Joel Nelson, both from shots which the Gorleston defence should have done better to save.
Then came the final flurry. Jamie Higginbotham again got his name on the score-sheet with a typical short-corner and game ended with Gorleston pressing forward again for the equaliser their hockey this week deserved.

Match report 25/03/06: UEA 3rd XI 3 -1 Gorleston

This was a disappointing display by Gorleston after their recent run of good form. Despite playing with only 10 men Gorleston were still expected to win this game against the University's third string. However after a bright start Gorleston were shocked when in a rare attack UEA's captain Smyth lofted the ball over Dennis Eke and into the top of the net. The visitors defence then lost its discipline and it was no surprise when Webster-Smith scored converting a short corner rebound off Eke's pads as the Gorleston players argued among themselves.
After half time and a stiff talking to by the umpires Gorleston rallied and began to play their normal game. However without the extra forward the UEA defence held firm until 15 minutes from the end when Higginbotham hit home one of his short corner specials and Gorleston pushed forward with much more conviction for the equaliser. This ultimately proved to be their undoing when UEA got behind their defence and a goal-bound shot was stopped illegally by Liam Parker on the line. Up stepped Smyth to score his second of the game from the penalty spot and give his team the outside chance they need to avoid relegation.

Match report 18/03/06: Gorleston 4-1 Norwich City 3rd XI

For a side lying third in the League at the start of this game Norwich City's performance throughout this match was extremely disappointing. Without 2 regular players Gorleston dominated the game from start to finish and a short corner goal from Simms on the stroke of the final whistle was the only consolation the visitors were ever likely to enjoy.
The match itself was a personal triumph for centre forward Russ Crawford who scored his first hat-trick for the Club. His running caused constant panic in the visitors defence and his first and third goals dribbling past the backs and drawing the goal-keeper out of position were classic opportunist efforts.
Jamie Higginbotham again stamped his class on the game with a well converted short corner routine and there were also tidy performances from John McLellan and Liam Payne. Gorleston now have 29 points in the League with three games to play and for a side in relegation spot in early November there is now unbelievable possibility that they could end the season in third spot behind promotion favourites Lowestoft and Ipswich and East Suffolk.

Match report 11/03/06: Harleston Magpies 5th XI 1-1 Gorleston

After losing to League Leaders Lowestoft the previous week Gorleston were anxious to bounce back with an improved display against the side immediately above them in Division 4 North East. Playing on Harleston's renowned water-based pitch with opponents who were clearly more used to the slower surface Gorleston took time to adapt but having done so both sides found it difficult to penetrate the other's sound defensive systems where for Gorleston there were solid performances from Mark Vaudin Andrew Lilly and Ben Goodman backed by Dennis Eke in goal.
Both defences were in fact so much in command it was not until midway through the second half when Harleston were awarded their first short corner which Askit converted at the second attempt. Gorleston then changed their formation pushing more attackers forward and three minutes from time a scrambled goal from Jamie Higginbotham brought the equaliser which was no more than the visitors deserved.

Match report 25/02/06: Lowestoft Town 4-0 Gorleston

The final scoreline was flattering for the League leaders Lowestoft in a game which until well into the second half could have gone either way. With three successive wins behind them and victory at home over same side last November Gorleston had the upper hand in the first half and three good chances to open the scoring were wasted by a combination of bad finishing and good goal-keeping by the hosts. As it was Lowestoft took a half-time lead only when a mishit short corner shot bobbled over the defender's stick on the line
In the second half a Jamie Higginbotham short corner deflected into the roof of the net by a defender was mysteriously disallowed by the umpire and so it was perhaps predictable that soon after Lowestoft broke away and increased their lead with a shot misjudged by keeper Dennis Eke. Despite solid performances in defence from newcomer Jason Austin and John McLellan Gorleston eased as time ran out and two late goals from the home side saw Lowestoft comfortably retain their League top spot.

Match report 18/02/06: Gorleston 3-0 Holt Harlequins 2nd XI

Holt arrived with only 10 players to meet a strong Gorleston side still looking for revenge after the 10-2 defeat suffered away at Greshams in the League earlier last month. The visitors were immediately put under pressure and Gorleston got the best possible start when Tom Wiltshire popped up at the far post to convert slick move down the right wing.
Without the extra forward and with only limited midfield control Holt were unable to get back into the game and Gorleston capitalised with a second goal shortly before half-time from Russ Crawford. After the interval Gorleston continued to dominate and several chances were missed before Tom Wiltshire killed the game off with another fine opportunist goal. Man of the Match in a sound Gorleston defence was Ben Goodman.

Match report 11/02/06: Newmarket 0-2 Gorleston

Gorleston who now seem to have found some form travelled to Newmarket for their latest division 4-league match. The game was delayed due to some Newmarket players arriving late but Gorleston were able to stay focused and start the game very brightly. Gorleston found great space down the right wing with Mark and Martin Vaudin creating a lot of problems. It was not long before Gorleston received their first short corner which Jamie Higginbotham converted to give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston with all the possession soon saw Russ Crawford create an opening for Tom Wiltshire who rounded the Newmarket keeper to slot home and give the away team a 2-0 lead. Gorleston then seemed to nap at the back, which allowed Newmarket in, but Dale Kemp was able to save on the line. Gorleston still had chances to convert again with the best effort falling to Russ Crawford but the Newmarket keeper made a great save.
Gorleston dominated the second half but with the game won were happy just to retain possession. Newmarket seemed to get irritated and it was not long before one of their players made a trip to the sin bin for swiping at Jamie Higginbotham. Gorleston can take heart in the fact the score did not reflect the true nature of the game mainly due to the pitch being so bad, breaking up the fluent style of hockey they try to play.

Match report 04/02/06: Gorleston 6-0 Bury 3rd XI

Gorleston played host to Bury who were unfortunate not to have a full team. Gorleston started the game and were able to use their numerical advantage to great use. Within minutes of the start of the game Gorleston had several chances to score until Tom Wiltshire stepped up to give them the lead. Gorleston managed to keep the pressure on and it was not long until Russ Crawford got his name on the score sheet. Then came the best move of the day when Dale Kemp picked the ball up in his own half, managed to play several one twos with his fellow players before getting into the Bury area and firing past the Bury keeper. Gorleston now in complete control saw Wiltshire score again with a bit of help from the opposition. Gorleston were able to finish the half very strongly.
The restart of the game saw the arrival of the rest of the Bury team to make the game numerically even although Bury still could not stop the Gorleston onslaught. It was not long before Jamie Higginbotham found time and space in the Bury area to power his shot past the stationary Bury keeper to keep Gorleston ticking along. Bury on one of their few attacks caught Gorleston slightly napping and when Higginbotham went to block a pass, he was adjudged to have used the back of his stick, and for his effort received a trip to the sin bin. Gorleston now down to ten men saw a slight reshuffle to the formation. The reshuffle paid dividends when Mark Vaudin was able to pick the ball in his half and run with it, he managed to beat three players before getting into Bury’s area and firing past the keeper to round the scoring off to give Gorleston an emphatic win. Gorleston have managed to rise to eighth in the league now only eleven points off top spot.

Match report 28/01/06: Gorleston 2-2 Ipswich and East Suffolk 2nd XI

Gorleston played host to IES finding it again difficult to field a full team but thanks to Robert Jones in the eleventh hour Gorleston managed a scratch eleven. Gorleston started the game the brighter of the two teams with some slick passing and aggressive tackling. This soon led to Robert Jones breaking down the right wing, his inch perfect cross found Liam Payne who drove the ball past IES`s goalkeeper to give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston did not hold on to the lead for very long when IES converted a short corner though a mix up between Gorlestons right post man and goalkeeper leading to the ball being deflected into the goal. Gorleston were soon on the attack again however, this time Jamie Higginbotham was able to find space down the left, his cross was again converted by Liam Payne to once again give Gorleston the lead. IES were soon on level terms again when a poor clearance from a sixteen was picked up by IES and converted to bring the half to a close.
The second half saw a very even game battled out in midfield with Gorleston having the greater chances but failing to convert to give them the victory. The only down side to Gorleston's game came when Mark Vaudin received another green card for using his elbows to tackle with, he now seems to be making this a regular occurrence. Gorleston can take heart in the amount of points they have gained in the last three games which is only a few points short of what they received in the first have of the season. If only Gorleston could have started the season like this.

Match report 21/01/06: Lowestoft Railway 2nd XI 1-2 Gorleston

Gorleston played this away fixture at home against Railway who could not get a home fixture slot. Gorleston boasting a very strong team were able to bring in changes to allow for a freer, flowing style of hockey. Gorleston won the toss and were soon on the attack. Gorleston were soon able to convert all of their pressure when a rebounded short corner fell to Jamie Higginbotham who struck a shot thought the keeper's legs to open the scoring. Railway were soon able to level the game when Gorleston could not clear their lines with the ball falling to a Railway player on the far post, he could not miss levelling the game. Gorleston were however able to retaliate using their superior skill to counter attack which saw Russ Crawford score his first goal for the club with a fierce strike past the Railway keeper.
The second half of the game became a bitty affair with the Railway team fouling constantly and as a result earning several green cards. Neither side really had a good scoring chance but Gorleston did see the better possession which frustrated Railway. This led to the sending off of one of their players. Gorleston ran out comfortable winners with what could be described as one of their best performances of the season with man of the match going to Thomas Woodrow.

Match report 14/01/06: Gorleston 3-2 Holt Harlequins 1st XI

Although the visitors arrived with only 10 players and no umpire their team was in no way better than the 2nd X1 who had trounced Gorleston 10-2 one week earlier. Fearing the worst however the home side had fortunately been able to draft in a full squad of players and substitutes and credit must given to 15 year old Thomas Woodrow who volunteered to umpire the whole game doing a superb without a single complaint from either side.
Gorleston played very well in the first half creating a lot of pressure and scoring twice through Martin Vaudin - one a cracking reverse stick shot from an acute angle and the other following a short corner. Holt however showed why they were among the League leaders by reducing the arrears shortly after half-time and then the game flowed freely from end to end.
Unlike one week earlier and strengthened by substitutes of the calibre of Bobby Jones Gorleston's attack and midfield then regained control and it was no surprise on one forward foray when a shot from Jamie Higginbotham was illegally stopped on the line by a defender's foot. Jamie himself stepped up to convert the resulting penalty flick to extend the lead. Holt however still had time to score again but Gorleston held out for a fully deserved victory.

Match report 07/01/06: Holt Harlequins 2nd XI 10-2 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Holt to play one of their re-arranged League fixtures hoping to make up points against a team only one point above them. Unfortunately with the game being played late in the day resulting in several absentees, and a further team member who failed to meet the transport, only 10 Gorleston players started the game against a home side who had clearly strengthened their ranks for this vital encounter.
The result was a one-sided match as Gorleston quickly conceded midfield control to pack their defence against a front line that showed plenty of imagination and fire power. Not for the first time this season Gorleston gifted their opponents an early goal failing to clear their lines and that was all Holt needed to step up a gear. Using their skilful and speedy right winger to full advantage with a centre forward who hardly put a stick wrong all game the home side were 5 goals up shortly before half-time when Jamie Higginbotham capped a rare Gorleston attack with a neat finish.
Unfortunately the second half was little better for the visitors. Holt scored twice more before Martin Vaudin snatched a goal back. After that although Gorleston heads never went down the home side resumed their superiority and the final score of 10 -2 is one the team will quickly wish to forget. Congratulations however to Holt not only for the best team performance seen so far this season but also their excellent hospitality at the local Feathers Hotel afterwards

Match report 10/12/05: Gorleston 1-0 UEA 3rd XI

Gorleston played hosts to the students of the UEA. With both teams bottom of the league this match could have been described as a big six pointer. Gorleston found calling up a full team difficult with the late withdrawal of a player but were fortunate of the welcome return of John McClennan to keep Gorleston at full strength. Gorleston started the game very brightly and it was not long before Jamie Higginbotham was able to drive into the dee but was unfortunate to be denied a goal when his shot was deflected wide by the post. Gorleston were able to keep the pressure on and soon gain a short corner, which Higginbotham was able to convert by placing the ball over the keeper’s head. Gorleston were able to have long periods of possiesson with tireless work at the back from Mark Vaudin ad Ben Goodman. Gorleston finished the half the better team but could not convert their possession into goals.
With the start of the second half Gorleston found there midfield duo of Martin Vaudin and Liam Payne being called upon to be more restricted with there forward running and defend deeper. Gorleston found it more difficult to get in any real shooting chance but on one occasion they did Higginbotham found his shot blocked by the UEA keeper. With Gorleston's short corners misfiring Gorleston had to rely upon a goal from open play and with both forwards lacking in fitness as the game went on this always seemed less likely of coming. In the end Gorleston were able to show a more committed display in defence and hold out for the one nil victory to move them up the table and with two games in hand there seems to be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

Match report 03/12/05: Norwich City 3rd XI 4-3 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Norwich for their latest league game with the early but welcome return from injury of Tom Wiltshire and Jamie Higginbotham. Gorleston were able to gain the early possession and put the Norwich defence under pressure. This pressure soon resulted in a short corner, which Higginbotham converted with a drag flick. Gorleston when needed to found the defence do a good job partly down to the hard work of Mark Vaudin and Andrew Lilly. Gorleston looked to dominate the first half but were found napping on a short corner which, Norwich put away to end the half level.
Gorleston started the second half brightly and when awarded a free hit outside the Norwich area, quick thinking from Liam Payne found Higginbotham to deflect the ball past the Norwich keeper to regain the lead. Gorleston now cruising seemed to hit the self-destruct button failing to clear the ball, City were able to pick up the loose ball and apply the finish to level the game. Gorlestons defence now rattled were happy to try and clear the ball but instead of playing the ball wide decided the Norwich player at the top of the area was a better option, he needed no invitation to shoot and give Norwich the lead. Gorleston now seemingly with out a defence again let Norwich back into a shooting chance for them to make the score 4-2. This spurned Gorleston on and were soon awarded a short corner, which Martin Vaudin was able to convert with a well-struck shot. With the clock running down Gorleston seemed to lack any urgency in finding an equaliser and seemed happy to let the game end in defeat.

Match report 19/11/05: North Walsham 2nd XI 5-2 Gorleston

Another disappointing day saw Gorleston arrive at the home side's Cromer pitch minus one player who failed to arrive at the departure point. It was a game Gorleston were desperate to win against their lowly league rivals and the task was not made easier by poor floodlights and another player suffering from flu. Sensing some despondency in the camp the home side took to the attack and after 20 minutes stout defence Walsham's winger cut in from the right to hit a spectacular shot past keeper Dennis Ede.
Gorleston worked hard for the equaliser but with the limited attacking options available the final pass was just not good enough to beat a well marshalled defence. Then Walsham were awarded a short corner which was converted and stretched the lead before half-time after another defensive mix-up. After the interval some strong words of encouragement from acting Captain Simon Cottingham revived the Gorleston spirits and for a while they looked a much better team. First Martin Vaudin got a goal back with a powerful reverse stick shot from a narrow angle but the good work was quickly undone when Andrew Lilly stopped the ball illegally on the line and the home side were awarded a penalty stroke which was converted. Gorleston hit back with a second goal turned in by Martin Vaudin after a Cottingham free hit from outside the circle but Walsham were not to be denied and replied quickly with a fifth goal to put the result and the final destination of the league points beyond doubt.

Match report 12/11/05: Gorleston 3-1 Lowestoft Town

Gorleston played host to Lowestoft Town and welcomed Russ Crawford to the team and Jamie Higginbotham back from injury. With an almost full team to select from, the home team were able to start the game on the front foot, going straight on the attack. Gorleston were able to launch several attacks from the back though Mark and Martin Vaudin. All this pressure soon led to a short corner which Jamie Higginbotham converted but the goal was disallowed due to the ball being judged to have been struck outside of the dee. Gorleston now sensing blood again received another short corner; this time Higginbotham’s shot was blocked but the rebound fell to Robert Jones who gave Gorleston the lead with his third goal in three starts. Gorleston who now seemed to be in total control let a Town player run with the ball and with the extra space he was given he found his way into the Gorleston dee where he gave the keeper no chance, burying the ball in the bottom left corner. Gorleston finished the half the better of the two sides but level.
Gorleston started the second half again looking for another goal. They were soon able to work the ball into Town's dee again, with the ball falling to Malcolm Berry. His shot was going wide but was turned into Town's goal by Jamie Higginbotham to give Gorleston the lead again. Now in total control, the Tangerines were able to hold on to the ball for long periods thanks to the tireless work of Simon Cottingham and Ben Goodman. The home side were able to bring Thomas Woodrow up front and give Dale Kemp a more attacking role in the search of a third goal to kill the game. This led to a break by the evergreen Robert Jones who crossed for Higginbotham to score his second and kill the game off. Gorleston can be proud of this performance: they played a more mature style of hockey instead of wasting the ball, which has been the case as of late.

Match report 29/10/05: Gorleston 1-0 Newmarket

Gorleston played host to Newmarket on a blustery afternoon. Still with an injury crisis Gorleston were able to recall the evergreen Jones brothers and Azim back into the team to help ease problems. With several players prematurely putting their clocks forward Gorleston only started the game with a full team thanks to the previous game over running. When the game finally began Gorleston soon took control with the marshalling of the midfield though Simon Cottingham. Gorlestons defence looked solid with Andrew Lilly and Ben Goodman taking control of any lose balls. Gorleston were soon able to find away though the static Newmarket defence but were unable to convert. With the half ticking on no team really took control with both teams sharing possession. Gorleston were however able to break though Robert Jones who found Peter Jones at the top of the d, he fainted to shoot but passed to Robert Jones to touch home to give Gorleston the lead. Newmarket put Gorlestons defence under pressure after the restart but Gorleston were able to soak it up to end the half.
Gorleston started the second half with renewed vigour and found that by holding the ball and pressing the opposition that they could rattle them. Newmarket now seemed to lose there heads a bit with some dubious tackling. Gorleston found it easier now to break though the Newmarket defence with Robert Jones penetrating runs and on one occasion he found Azim, he was going away from the goal when a Newmarket player took offence to him and began pushing him. Simon Cottingham was first to try and separate the two but to no avail. It took Malcolm Berry to step in and prevent anything going any further which unfortunately lead to both Malcolm Berry and the Newmarket player being sin binned for the rest of the game. With both teams down to ten men and more space the game became more open but with neither team looking like scoring. Gorleston were happy to run down the clock and gain their first three points to move them up the league table.

Match report 22/10/05: Bury 3rd XI 3-1 Gorleston

Still plagued by injuries and absences Gorleston travelled to Bury more in hope than in expectation of securing their first League points of the season. Their task was not made easier by only having 10 players (including two on loan) and knowing they were up against a side only demoted from East League Division 3 last year. Gorleston started strongly and quickly made it clear that they were not going to settle for a defensive point. Some early neat interplay between Simon Cottingham and Liam Payne saw the latter with space in the circle and his resulting strike crashed into the side boards. For a while Bury raised their game and making use of the extra width available on the wings looked dangerous. It was however somewhat against the run of play when their centre-forward reacted quickest to a loose ball in the circle and gave keeper Denis Eke no chance with the opening goal. Gorleston not deterred pushed forward and on the half hour a slick move down the centre found Liam Payne again in the circle with the ball. This time his turn and shot were unstoppable and the equaliser no more than deserved. Unfortunately then Gorleston briefly relaxed and within minutes the Bury right-winger slipped in to retake the lead from an acute angle. Before the interval there was still time for Gorleston to create further chances - one notable shot from Liam Payne fizzing off the goal-post back into play.
In the second half the match continued to be played from end to end in good spirit with Bury mostly able to contain the Gorleston attacks by packing their midfield. Fifteen minutes from the end however the home side used their right-winger once more to good advantage. Their man neatly got behind the Gorleston defender and his cross fell perfectly for the centre-forward to take all 3 points which (subject to other results) should see Bury top the table.

Match report 08/10/05: Gorleston 0-3 Lowestoft Rail 2nd XI

This was a disappointing result for Gorleston who had been hoping for a first win of the season in their Division 4 North East League Match against local rivals Lowestoft Railway. Unfortunately without their Captain Jamie Higginbotham at his pivotal centre half role Gorleston's defence took the first 15 minutes to settle and in that time the visitors scored 2 scrappy goals when lines should have been cleared without ceremony.
Worse was to follow as the home side's stand-in Captain Tom Wiltshire suffered a back injury and took no further part in the game. Although conceding a third goal shortly before half time the rest of the team rallied strongly in the second half and there were notable performances in midfield from Liam Payne and Mark Vaudin. In attack however Gorleston posed little threat to the visitors' goal and improvement is vital in that department if the team are to progress in this higher Division. Lowestoft Railway's problems are clearly on the disciplinary side - they had two players yellow carded and one of them was lucky not to see red.

Match report 01/10/05: Holt 5-2 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Holt for their first division 4 NE league game of the season. The game was delayed by more then an hour due to the previous game running late. Holt won the toss but Gorleston's midfield dominance was soon apparent with excellent work from Simon Cottingham and Andrew Lilly. Gorleston saw a lot of possession with great link up play between Martin Vaudin and Mark Vaudin. Gorleston's dominance soon led to several counter attacks down the right though Azim and on one occasion he found Simon Cottingham who finished superbly to give Gorleston the lead. Holt now on the back foot found the going hard and on the few occasions they could break were stopped by Ben Goodman and Dale Kemp. Gorleston were able to get numerous chances at the other end but could not convert though Liam Payne who was unlucky not to score on several attempts. Gorleston were unlucky to concede a short corner, which Barney, Gorleston's stand in keeper, was unlucky not to keep out and allow Holt to level. With the half drawing to a close Holt again received another short corner and managed to convert with a well-struck shot into the corner of the goal.
Gorleston started the second half again on the attack. Gorleston were then unlucky when Jamie Higginbotham running down the wing pulled up in pain in his foot. Gorleston now effectively down to ten men found the going tough and conceded another short corner, which Holt again converted. With the clock running down Gorleston were given a lifeline when a long corner was played into the near post of the Holt goal Jamie Higginbotham managed to touch the ball though his legs into the goal to make the game three two. With Gorleston going for the win and pushing men forward Holt managed to find gaps in the Gorleston defence and were able to score two goals in the last five minutes of the game. After the game Jamie Higginbotham discovered he had actually fractured his foot and will now miss at least six weeks to compound the defeat. Gorleston can take heart that Holt are one of the stronger teams in the league and at times they outplayed them.

Summer Fixtures 2005

Match report 24/09/05: Broadland Exiles 4-3 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Norwich for their final friendly before the start of the season. Gorleston found they had to change the line up slightly with minor injuries to key members, which saw the inclusion of Mark Vaudin and Malcolm Berry in the midfield. Gorleston started the game very well with some exciting running down the right wing by new signing Azim. His creative running soon led to a Gorleston short corner that Jamie Higginbotham converted when his powerful shot was deflected past the Broadland keeper by his own player. Gorleston seemed comfortable with the game but were never really in control. It was therefore was no surprise when Broadland gained a short corner which was converted to level the game. The game was quite even as the half drew to a close.
Broadland started the second half well but Gorleston were soon able to win the ball and a breakaway saw Liam Payne manage to convert on his second attempt. Gorleston now with their nose in front saw Azim and Higginbotham work the ball down the right flank before Higginbotham converted with a well-taken goal. Gorleston's defence were then caught napping and conceded a penalty flick. Dennis Eke made a fine save to keep Gorleston in front. Despite this alarm call, Gorleston seemed to give up and again conceded another penalty flick with sloppy defending. This time Broadland made no mistake in converting. Gorleston were rattled but managed to turn defence into a 5 on 2 attack. However Tom Wiltshire's shot went to a Broadland player who then countered; the Gorleston defence were again caught short and Broadland levelled the game. Soon after the restart sloppy play in the Gorleston midfield led to a turnover in possession and, with the Gorleston defence shepherding the Broadland attack out, Gorleston's keeper came flying off his line to allow Broadland to walk the ball into the goal. Gorleston were able to go on the attack again when they won a free hit close to the Broadland area. Simon Cottingham struck the ball well but Jamie Higginbotham was only able to deflect it onto the post. Gorleston were unable to convert any late chances resulting in their second defeat in two weeks.

Match report 10/09/05: Gorleston 2-2 Norwich City 2nd XI

Gorleston started the day with only nine players after two players had called off late Friday and a total of five players unavailable to play. Luckily Gorleston were able to call up Peter Jones and were able to borrow a player from the opposition to complete the team. Gorleston soon realised when the opposition arrived with fifteen players that they were taking the game very seriously as they had been four divisions above Gorleston last season before they were relegated and Gorleston promoted.
Norwich started the game with some slick passing but pressing play by Simon Cottingham and Thomas Woodrow soon saw Gorleston gain possession and on their first attack Simon Cottingham was able to find Robert Jones out on the right, his defence-splitting pass found Peter Jones at the top of the dee and with only the keeper to beat Jones gave Gorleston the lead with a superb finish. Norwich now in shock went on the attack but excellent defensive displays from Martin Vaudin and Ben Goodman kept them at bay. Norwich were able to find a hole in the Gorleston defence when the right back had been caught out and were able to drive into the dee, the miss hit shot beat the Gorleston keeper to level the game. Gorleston were starting to lose grip of the game and so Jamie Higginbotham stepped into defence to shore it up, Gorleston now conceding the midfield battle relied on his organisation skills to help stop the Norwich attack. Gorleston now started to play a long ball game missing the midfield and playing straight to the forwards. This lead to Norwich being able to break the Gorleston attack more easily but they could not turn their superior possession into goal scoring chances.
Gorleston started the second half rearranging the midfield with Mark Vaudin stepping in to give them an extra player to battle Norwich. Gorleston were able to put an amazing amount of pressure on Norwich with some hard tackling from Simon Cottingham and tireless running from Mark Vaudin. Gorleston's defence did so well against the Norwich attack when they lost possession thanks partly to the excellent marking by Ben Goodman and Jamie Higginbotham allowing Martin Vaudin to step into the gap just behind the midfield. The revised tactic soon paid dividends when Robert Jones picked the ball up just inside the Gorleston half, his explosive run saw him beat four players before getting into the dee and finishing to give Gorleston the lead back. A shell-shocked Norwich were finding it increasingly difficult to break the solid Gorleston defence. Norwich did manage to gain a short corner but the resulting shot was blocked by Mark Vaudin. However a Norwich player had followed in and was able to volley home the blocked shot to level the game. Gorleston again showed great character going on the attack again and were unlucky when they gained a short corner; Jamie Higginbotham’s drag flick was deflected by the Norwich keeper, it went just wide of the right hand post. Gorleston were unlucky with several more chances as the final whistle came. Gorleston can take heart at the outcome of this game keeping their unbeaten run still intact and looking in great shape for the start of the new league season.

Match report 03/09/05: Norwich City 3rd XI 1-2 Gorleston

Gorleston again on their travels visited Norwich for their latest fixture against Norwich City III who will be one of their opponents in the League this coming season.. With an almost full strength squad to choose from Gorleston were able to finally try their new formation for the season. Gorleston started the game by finding touch in the left corner of the pitch putting pressure immediately on the Norwich defence. Gorleston started at a very high tempo, which Norwich could not live with. Gorleston had a lot of possession but could not turn this into goal scoring chances. Norwich did look dangerous on the counterattack breaking though the confused Gorleston defence to have the better of the chances to break the deadlock. Gorleston were able to keep their nerve and were soon rewarded with a short corner which Jamie Higginbotham converted finding the back of the net with a drag flick. Gorleston were again able to find space down the left flank with Malcolm Berry and Mark Vaudin combining to put Martin Vaudin into the D; once there he struck a reverse stick shot low and hard past the Norwich keeper on his near post to give Gorleston a two goal lead. Gorleston were again able to break down the right flank when Ben Goodman dispatched Martin Vaudin whose cross fell to Jamie Higginbotham to touch in but the goal did not stand as the ball was adjudged to have been lifted. Gorleston finished the half strongly.
Norwich started the second half putting the Gorleston defence under pressure immediately. The pressure soon led to a short corner that resulted in a fine reflex save from Dennis Eke. Gorleston's Dale Kemp and Andrew Lilly worked tirelessly at the back to keep the Norwich attack at bay. With Gorleston's midfield now struggling in the heat, Norwich were able to camp outside the 25-yard area. Gorleston were forced to reshuffle the team leaving only two forwards up the pitch. Gorleston now forced to play the counterattacking game saw several promising breaks fizzle out with the wrong choice of final pass. Norwich were able to gain a short corner that resulted in a penalty flick when one of the Gorleston players was adjudged to have stopped the ball with his foot. Norwich then converted the flick to give themselves hope of a comeback Gorleston found the going tough after the restart and so brought Thomas Woodrow back on to fill the hole down the left flank. This helped Gorleston to secure the win. Gorleston can be happy with their play, particularly their slick passing and clinical finishing.

Match report 13/08/05: North Walsham 3- 3 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled away to Cromer to face North Walsham. This proved to be a tougher game than Gorleston's last game as their opponents were in a higher league. Gorleston were again unable to field a full squad having to borrow players from the opposition. Gorleston started the game at a high tempo with a very attacking line-up leaving the defence a little open. Gorleston went on the attack immediately finding great space down the right though Martin Vaudin. Gorleston saw numerous chances go wide in the first half that on another day would have been converted. Gorleston's opening goal came though Jamie Higginbotham who converted a short corner finding the top left corner of the goal. After the goal Gorleston sat back and absorbed the pressure that let North Walsham back into the game. After several chances that went close they were able to break quickly and the first shot was saved by the Gorleston keeper but the rebound was not picked up and North Walsham were able to beat the three Gorleston players on the line to end the half level.
The second half started with North Walsham putting the pressure on the Gorleston defence and it was not long before they scored again. The goal spurred Gorleston on and Andrew Lilly who again had a good game managed to break down the right flank and attack the North Walsham D, his shot was then touched in by Tom Wiltshire to cap a good team goal. Gorleston now with the advantage were able to attack more freely and were soon rewarded with another short corner that saw Higginbotham’s shot deflected to Liam Payne who volleyed home to give Gorleston the lead. With both teams showing signs of fatigue the game saw chances at both ends but in the dying seconds of the game North Walsham were able to convert a short corner to draw level. Gorleston showed that they can play some attractive hockey but still have to learn to clear the ball better and convert the easy chances to win games.

Match report 06/08/05: Cranes 1- 3 Gorleston

Gorleston travelled to Ipswich to play a summer fixture against Cranes. Due to the early summer fixture Gorleston only travelled with eight players but Cranes were able to lend Gorleston two players to even things out. Gorleston were able to start the game with a lot of possession and saw several chances go to waste thanks to lack of match fitness. Gorleston were dominating the game with slick passing in the midfield creating some very complex moves, which just could not be converted into goals. The game saw Liam Payne being pushed up front and Mark Vaudin being switched to right midfield. This tactical switch seemed to work as Ben Goodman won the ball in defence, he released Jamie Higginbotham down the left wing who made several yards before finding Simon Cottingham whose vision picked out Martin Vaudin who got around the back of the Cranes defence and was able to find his brother to give Gorleston the lead with a well worked move. Gorleston now comfortably in control were surprised at a moment of inattention from their goal keeper which resulted in a short corner which Cranes duly converted to level the game. Gorleston finished the half a little rattled.
The second half started with Cranes retaining more possession due to Gorleston showing signs of tiredness playing in such heat. The Cranes possession soon led to them camping onside the Gorleston dee but thanks to massive effort put in by Andrew Lilly and Ben Goodman they did not really threaten to score. Gorleston reverted to playing a counter attack-long ball game with Martin Vaudin and Liam Payne pushing very high up the pitch. This system worked with the ball being played out from the back to Martin Vaudin who then found Payne who fed Higginbotham on the top of the Cranes dee, he then calmly played the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to give Gorleston the lead back. With not long left on the clock Gorleston were again able to break from the back through Andrew Lilly who fed Martin Vaudin setting up Liam Payne to score and cap a good team performance. Gorleston can take heart in the final result but do need to improve their finishing if they are to cap the successes of last season.

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