Tangerine News

Matches 2008-2009

Match Report 04/04/09: Harleston 4th XI (1-2) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston rounded off a very satisfactory first season in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League with a deserved 2 - 1 victory over their closest rivals to 5th spot in the league table on 37 points. With several regulars missing the team welcomed back Jason Austin into their line-up but the resulting reshuffle up front meant that for a while their attack never really got going. As a result Harleston Magpies were able to dominate the midfield possession for the first 20 minutes and this brought the best out of defenders Andrew Lilly skipper Kevin MacDonald Jamie Higginbotham and Jason Austin as they fought to contain the skill and pace of their hosts’ young principal development squad.
Magpies took a deserved lead on 19 minutes when the Gorleston defence pushed up too far and centre forward Guy Paul broke away with 2 colleagues on either side. With no defender able to match their speed keeper Barney King came out to narrow the angle but with options on either side of him Guy kept his head and skilfully slipped the ball past Barney and into the empty net.
Not for the first time this season Gorleston reacted positively to the set-back and almost at once the tenor of the game changed. With Monty Raymond Malcolm Berry Mark Vaudin and Will Gatley pushing forward mistakes began to appear in the Magpies own defence and on 26 minutes Gorleston were level when Martyn Vaudin fired home a Jamie Higginbotham short corner variation. And they were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty flick shortly afterwards as another short corner strike appeared to ricochet off a defender's foot and over the bar.
The second half saw Magpies bring on ex-County player Cobbald to bolster the defence as sweeper but by now the youngsters seemed to have run out of steam in attack. As a result Gorleston continued to press forward and when they were awarded another short corner Jamie Higginbotham this time drag-flicked the winner into the net to secure the title of being Gorleston's top scorer on 17 goals this season from Monty Raymond on 15.
After that on a warm and sunny afternoon on the hosts’ water-based astro both sides seemed content to run down the clock and battle will no doubt be resumed in October.
Training for the summer now reverts to the shorter time of 1 hour on Tuesdays at the Cliff Park Community pitch at 6 pm. New members are always welcome to come along.

Match Report 28/03/09: Gorleston (0-2) Felixstowe 2nd XI (League)

This last home match of the season was surely one of the best contested and most skilful game of hockey ever seen played by two sides on the new Cliff Park Community astro-pitch. That the victory only went by the narrow margin of two goals to the Division 3 NE league champions Felixstowe (now promoted back to Division 2 next year) only goes to show how well Gorleston performed and their 16 man squad can be proud of their achievements this season which should see them finish in 5th place provided they beat Harleston Magpies 4th X1 in their final game next week at Weybread.
After last week's win at Pelicans Gorleston welcomed back James Clarkson and Russ Crawford up front with ex Club player Ollie Barfield and Will Gatley on the bench. The game was started and maintained throughout at a cracking pace with frequent attacks and counter-attacks on both sides. Felixstowe's star was undoubtedly their captain Jack Entwistle and his pace and stickwork leading the forward line was ultimately to be their match-winner.
There was little to choose between either side early on as defences dominated with both teams being given plenty of advantage by the umpires to show their skills with few interruptions. Andrew Lilly Nick Mobbs Mark Vaudin and Jamie Higginbotham marked their men closely and fairly and with skipper Kevin MacDonald Martyn Vaudin and Monty Raymond breaking forward frequently to support the lively Michael Tadross and Russ Crawford up front it seemed for a while a major upset could be on the cards.
But on 29 minutes the deadlock was broken following the breakdown of a Gorleston attack down the left which left Monty Raymond appealing for a free-hit. Without waiting for the whistle however Felixstowe swept into the Gorleston D and when the ball hit a defender's boot Jack Entwistle stole in at the far post to deflect the resulting short corner past Barney King in goal.
The interval came with both sides still battling for the vital next goal and it took a touch of real class 8 minutes after the restart to seal the game for the visitors. On the Gorleston 25 and seemingly well marked out by two defenders Felixstowe's inside left Alex Woodhouse spun on the spot to elude both of them and centre for Entwistle to magic the ball somehow into the net. Far from heads dropping however Gorleston continued to give as good as they got and with subs coming on there were encouraging signs that both Ollie Barfield and Will Gatley will have a valuable future in the team next season
Next week Gorleston travel to Weybread to take on 6th placed Harleston Magpies 4th X1. Push-back is at 4 pm and transport will leave the Albion PH at 2.30 pm

Match Report 21/03/09: Pelicans 2nd XI (2-5) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston travelled to Kings Lynn for NE14 East Men’s Hockey League game. Gorleston travelled with a bare eleven with several key players missing but welcomed the debut of Ahmed Bassam the Albanian U23 International. The game was played in bright sunshine and unusually warm temperature which seemed to affect both teams. Gorleston found a very high tempo in the opening minutes of the game with Ahmed causing lots of problems upfront. His hard work soon forced a short corner which Jamie Higginbotham converted with a drag flick past the stranded goal keeper. As the half went on, Pelicans forced their way back into contention, with several hard tackles. Gorleston's lack of discipline soon let Pelicans get several good chances at goal but Barnaby King in goal managed to keep them out with Mark Vaudin sweeping up any loose play in front of him. Gorleston went in at the half in the lead - just.
The second half started with Gorleston putting in another push allowing Michael Tadross to add to their lead with some excellent solo work to create space for his shot. Jamie Higginbotham then converted another short corner to make the score three nil. Gorleston now in total control allowed Pelicans back into the game however, when they gave a needless short corner away which Pelicans converted with a drag flick. Fortunately Gorleston were again able to take control and get another short corner which they converted when the ball was reversed back to Mark Vaudin who struck home from close range. With the clock running down and the umpiring seeming to get worse, firstly a Pelicans player was sent off for dissent. Pelicans managed to get another short corner which they converted after the umpire missed an infringement on a Gorleston player. Gorleston were able to get back into the Pelicans 25 and win a free hit. Martyn Vaudin's quick thinking and pin point pass found Higginbotham free in the dee and he was able to deflect the ball past the Pelicans keeper to round off his hat trick. The game pretty much ended when Ahmed and a Pelicans' player got sent off for what can only be described as hand bags at ten paces.
Gorleston now face League leaders (and already promoted) Felixstowe in their last home game of the season - push back is at 2.30 pm at Cliff Park High School.

Match Report 14/03/09: Gorleston (1-4) Norwich Dragons 2nd XI (League)

Poor defensive work at three short corners saw Gorleston suffer defeat at the hands of mid-table rivals Norwich Dragons 2 in this Division 3 North East encounter of the NE14 East Mens Hockey League. Welcoming back Adam Stone after a six week lay-off following shoulder and facial injuries received in a pedestrian crossing accident both sides showed plenty of commitment and good hockey but it was the visitors who got the breaks when they needed them and the final score-line was hardly a fair reflection of overall play.
The first 25 minutes was very evenly matched before Dragons Rob Panter slotted his first short corner strike. That was quickly cancelled out by Gorleston's Michael Tadross who coming on for the injured Mark Vaudin was allowed too much room to advance into the visitors D and fire home an unstoppable shot past the Dragons keeper. Just before the interval Dragons were awarded a penalty for a defender's intentional infringement at the other end but Panter's flick was superbly saved by Barney King back in the Gorleston goal.
Six minutes after the break Dragons restored their lead as Will Kirby who had been lively up front all afternoon neatly turned his marker Andrew Lilly and broke away to slot the ball under the advancing Barney King. Then in the space of five minutes came the short corner goals which sealed their victory. First Will Kirby was first to Barney's rebound and for the second week in succession the ball took a wicked deflection off a defender into the Gorleston net before Pete Mares wrapped up the scoring when his switched strike was partially saved by Barney and Andrew Lilly on the post could only watch helplessly as the ball rebounded off his stick and inches over the line.
With still some 15 minutes of play Gorleston were by no means out of game but Dragons perhaps understandably with their lead were content to shut up shop and some of their physical defending was over - zealous to the point that on other days they might well have seen players sin-binned for professional fouls.
Next week Gorleston who now drop to 5th in the League table on 31 points travel to Kings Lynn to take on 8th placed Pelicans 2. Push-back is at 3.30 pm at Lynn Sports Centre and transport will leave the Albion at 1.15 pm.

Match Report 07/03/09: Norwich City 3rd XI (3-3) Gorleston (League)

This was a match Gorleston should have won comfortably but they never quite got going against a Norwich City side they have already beaten twice this season. The hosts were however boosted in the first half by the rare appearance of ex-County player Ali Wardale as sweeper and his control and distribution of the ball gave the City youngsters all the encouragement they needed to take the game to Gorleston who played a man short until the interval.
Gorleston welcomed the return of Nick Mobbs and skipper Kevin MacDonald to the line-up and also Matt Burkinshaw in goal deputising for the injured Barney King who spectated. The visitors also got off to an excellent start when Jamie Higginbotham fired home their first short corner after 20 minutes but the lead was short-lived as 5 minutes later City's Nick Hooper returned the compliment at the other end. Then just before the interval the hosts went ahead when James Grieg netted at the far post following some neat interchange with his forwards.
On the restart and desperate to see his team at full strength Barney King took to the field for his first outing as a field player but before he could touch the ball a wicked deflection in the Gorleston circle saw City scored again through Will Marshall to make the score 3 - 1. Only then did the visitors buckle down to preserve their reputation and after 10 minutes there was Barney King in the right spot at the far post to sweep home his first League goal for the Club to much jubilation all round. Still behind Gorleston continued to press and with Ali Wardale now off the field it seemed only a matter of time before they equalised which they did on 22 minutes from another Jamie Higginbotham short corner.
From then on apart from occasional breakaways by City Gorleston dominated but the winning goal would not come despite several chances. That however would probably have been hard on City who will be happy to take the point which could be vital in their relegation battle.
Next week Norwich Dragon 2nd Xl are the visitors to the Cliff Park Community Pitch with pushback is at 2.30 pm, Gorleston have 4 matches to go this season and presently lying 4th on 31 points in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League table they will be anxious end their 99th year of existence in that position.

Match Report 28/02/09: Gorleston (1-8) UEA 1st XI (League)

Gorleston suffered their worst defeat of the season at the hands of their high-flying opponents who on this performance must be strongly fancied to return to Division 2 North East of the NE14 East Mens League whence they were relegated last season. The problem as always with University teams is that this particular squad are all third year graduates who will be leaving UEA this Summer so any promotion only benefits the UEA's 2ND Xl who this season have found it hard to make any impression in Division 3, let alone this Gorleston team who have already completed the double over them.
For the first 15 minutes there was nothing to chose between the two sides and little to warn of the visitors deluge of goals to come. Then UEA's tall centre-forward Andy Fletcher burst through the Gorleston defence on a skilful run and just when Barney King thought he had done enough to narrow his angle Andy flicked the ball over him and into the far corner of the net. Four minutes later the students struck again but this time it was Dean Monk who got the final touch to double their lead.
Half-time and no change there was still plenty to play for but 2 minutes later the result was sealed as Peter Morris drifted in on the blind side to give keeper Barney King no chance. Gorleston continued to keep the game open but the UEA counter-attacks were suddenly proving deadly. First Mark Vaudin was adjudged to have deliberately eased Andy Fletcher off the ball as he charged through on another run and Peter Harding stepped up top convert the resultant penalty flick. Then Peter Morris scored again and Andy Fletcher struck two in two minutes to complete his hat-trick and the MOM award.
Five minutes from time Gorleston's Russ Crawford followed up to score a consolation goal after Monty Raymond's shot had been stopped illegally on the line but the students rightfully had the last word as Sam Johnson on the final whistle got his name on the score-sheet to complete a memorable victory.
Next week Gorleston who remain in 4th place in Division 3 travel to Taverham to take on what should be easier opposition in the form of the second from bottom club Norwich City 3rd X1. Push-back is at 11.30 am and transport leaves the Albion at 10.15 am.

Match Report 21/02/09: Ipswich 4th XI (2-3) Gorleston (League)

After the previous week's outstanding performance against Bury 2 and still missing several regulars through absence and injury Gorleston will be grateful for the three points they gained at Ipswich even if they were somewhat fortunate to do so. For once the reshuffled defence were at times lacking their usual cohesion and up against stronger opposition they would surely have been beaten.
Gorleston these days have a useful range of variation when it comes to short corner routines and once more they got the best possible start when after 8 minutes Jamie Higginbotham shot deliberately right and wide of the net for Monty Raymond to sweep the ball home from a narrow angle. Six minutes later the lead was doubled as a neat move down the left saw the resulting cross from Monty elude the advancing keeper and Malcolm Berry was on hand to slip the ball into an empty net.
But Ipswich had already caused panic at times in the visitors back line and they were soon back in the match when the ball ran loose in the Gorleston D and the ball was hammered home by the Ipswich No. 10. After the interval Ipswich continued to press and their equaliser after 6 minutes was no more than they deserved. Barney King initially saved well but his kick appeared to cannon into Andrew Lilly on the line and the umpire awarded a penalty flick which the Ipswich No. 20 comprehensively netted.
Gorleston with Russ Crawford and Michael Tadross up front making some useful runs then got back into the game for a while and 15 minutes from time went ahead again when from another short corner Jamie Higginbotham scored as the Ipswich defender completely missed his clearance.
Then it was the home side who piled on the pressure to the end and the match ended somewhat controversially and in petulance after Ipswich thought they had validly equalised from another short corner only for their umpire after consultation to disallow the goal for a raised first strike.
Next week UEA 1st Xl are the visitors to Cliff Park Community Pitch and Gorleston will have to improve on this performance to reverse the defeat suffered at their hands last November in Norwich. Pushback is at 2.30 pm.

Match Report 14/02/09: Gorleston (5-0) Bury 2nd XI (League)

After a bitterly disappointing 2 weeks during which Gorleston had lost their 2 local derby games with Lowestoft and league leaders Harleston 3 and following an enquiry were disqualified from further progress in the national HA Vase Competition for fielding an ineligible player in their 3rd Round match against Newbury and Thatcham last November the Club bounced back to beat fourth placed Bury 2 comprehensively in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League on Saturday at Cliff Park Community Pitch.
Facing the side who had beaten them 5 - 1 at Bury last October and with Peter Jones Adam Stone and Jason Austin sidelined through injury also Nick and Johnny Mobbs away on a skiing trip Gorleston were down to their minimum squad of players and must have feared the worst. But the reshuffled defence of Mark Vaudin and Andrew Lilly in front of a dominant Barney King in goal stood firm in the face of the visitors best moves and as the game went on resistance simply melted away giving the midfield trio of Kevin MacDonald Martyn Vaudin and Jamie Higginbotham plenty of time to move forward to support a forward line who were having one of their best game for a long while.
In recent matches an early goal has proved decisive in boosting morale and this time it was Jamie Higginbotham who raised the home side's spirits after only 3 minutes drifting down the right and into the Bury D before neatly lifting the ball over the advancing keeper. But that was as far as scoring went in the first half even though some robust defensive tackling was resulting in plenty of penalties in the visitors 25 none of which could be turned to advantage.
The second half was a completely different story. With Simon Long Monty Raymond and Russ Crawford combining well with Malcolm Berry the Bury's defence dropped even further back and suddenly short corner were being given away in desperation. The first after 3 minutes was powerfully struck by Jamie Higginbotham but there was Monty Raymond on the keeper's pads to slip the rebound back into the net before he could recover. 4 minutes later and it was Martyn Vaudin's turn to celebrate as another short corner routine beat the defensive cover all ends up. And the hat-trick of penalties was completed after 16 minutes when Monty Raymond again was on hand to score - this time deflecting home Jamie's deliberately wide shot to the right of goal.
Four goals to the good Bury never gave up trying but by now Gorleston were on song and their team confidence unstoppable. And so it was left to Simon Long on 25 minutes, playing his last game for the Club this season before a 3 month furlough in New Zealand, to dart typically through several tackles and seal the game emphatically.
Man of the Match - difficult to single out anyone in particular but on his 31st birthday and for giving the side such a perfect start it has to be Jamie Higginbotham.
Next week Gorleston have a difficult game away at Ipswich 4. Pushback is at 11.30 am and transport leaves the Albion at 9.30 am. Gorleston won their early season encounter but Ipswich are last year's champions and will be all out to take revenge with their home tie advantage.

Match Report 31/01/09: Harleston 3rd XI (3-1) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston travelled to Harleston on a cold wet evening to play League leaders Harleston III with only ten men, meaning this game was always going to be mission impossible. Gorleston started promisingly containing the strong Harleston team but the inevitable happened when a loose ball fell to a Harleston player in the dee and his deflected shot found the bottom right of the goal leaving Barney King no chance to save it. Gorleston still holding their own were again undone when a Harleston player going away from goal was brought down by the Gorleston keeper, resulting in a penalty flick that was swiftly converted.
Gorleston again rallied themselves after the half time team talk. They started the half with a big push looking for a way back into the game but were left short at the back and were unfortunate to concede another goal. Gorleston now with nothing to lose went for broke and in the last 5 minutes in a goal mouth scramble Monty Raymond managed to convert to make the score line more respectable. Gorleston will be disappointed with result as with a full team could and should have gotten a better result from this game.

Match Report 24/01/09: Gorleston (2-4) Lowestoft Town (League)

Gorleston suffering from several injuries and too much confidence took this game too lightly. Starting brightly Gorleston had all the possession and looked comfortable. Soon though, mistakes started creeping in. After a poor back pass, Gorleston were soon 1-0 down when a Town player picked up the ball leaving the defence no chance to stop him converting the goal. Gorleston conceded another three quick goals, mainly down to the whole team having a very bad game. One player took exception to how bad he was playing and even removed himself from the field thus bringing the first half to a close not a moment too soon.
With a stern talking to and a reshuffle of the pack Gorleston started the second half looking more like the team that has surpassed expectations this season showing some neat passing and a renewed vigour to win the ball back from the opposition. Gorleston’s hard work was soon rewarded when Simon Long was adjudged to have gotten a faint edge on the ball to give Gorleston a life-line back into the game, making the score 4-1. Gorleston continued to press and were unlucky not to convert several chances. With the clock running down Simon Long again popped up to convert his second goal for Gorleston. The score finished 4-2 in favour of Lowestoft Town but Gorleston can take heart in the way they responded after the first half.

Match Report 17/01/09: UEA 2nd XI (0-2) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston's return to league hockey after the mid season break was achieved with a satisfactory if unspectacular win over bottom club UEA 2 at the University's Sportspark on Saturday. With Russ Crawford and Mark Vaudin on the injury list and Jason Austin still nursing his way back to full fitness Gorleston welcomed former Harleston and Lowestoft Railway player Simon Long to the team and his mobility up front was to be a constant threat to the students throughout the afternoon and deservedly rewarded with the opening goal after 12 minutes when he latched on to a short corner rebound and clipped the ball over the advancing keeper with a reverse sweep.
Despite not having won a match this season UEA seem to have strengthened their squad of late and ought to do better this second half. They certainly played some attractive hockey at times to bring the best out of the reshuffled Gorleston defence but Barney King in goal was at his best and his command of the D particularly when one on one with the UEA forwards made sure no-one got passed him and there was little likelihood of an equaliser. As it was Gorleston going forward were always the more threatening and when their lead was doubled after half an hour there was no way back for the hosts - Jamie Higginbotham slipping several tough tackles on the half way line before speeding down the right side and into the circle to fire home past the student's keeper.
With the scoring over the game was played out fairly quietly. With several more missed chances and misplaced passes both sides seemed to be on their best behaviour possibly as a result of some of them being disciplined in the last game between the two Clubs and experienced umpires Norman Hart and Hugh Wiltshire appointed to the game.
Next week is the return local derby game with Lowestoft 1 at Cliff Park Community pitch with push-back 2.30 pm. Lowestoft currently lie 8th on 11 points in Div 3 NE of the NE14 East Mens League three places behind Gorleston on 24 points.

Match Report 03/01/09: Gorleston (2-1) Norwich City 3rd XI (Friendly)

Gorleston returned to Cliff Park Community Pitch after the Christmas break to find Santa had left their presents in the form two new top class hockey goal nets and several hundred weight of sand on the astro-pitch to smooth out the imperfections which had been building up since it was first laid last summer.
The visitors in this friendly game were league opposition Norwich City 3 strengthened by a few faces from their Club's off duty 2nd Xl anxious to shake off their seasonal lethargy as quickly as possible and the result was an entertaining game played in good spirits and much closer than the league encounter a few weeks ago which Gorleston won 7 - 2. Both sides turned out with full squads and a few new faces and all were given a spell on the pitch; Gorleston in particular welcomed back Dale Kemp on Christmas leave from his temporary Aberdeen assignment and young Tom Gillingwater from Lowestoft Railway who was in town to see how his former Club mates Monty Raymond and Ross Trimble were faring in Norfolk.
The new hockey nets themselves were quickly in action. After two minutes a City break down the right saw the visitors centre and there was Ben Crichton in the circle to lay the ball off for Chris Wardale to beat Barney King in goal from close range. Gorleston however were giving as good as they got and five minutes later Tom Gillingwater equalised after good work by Jamie Higginbotham. Gorleston then continued to press forward and Tom was again the marksman shortly afterwards as he flung himself full length at the far post to turn home a loose ball.
After that the game could have gone either way and both sides had and missed chances. In the second half Tom thought he had claimed his hat-trick when after much Gorleston trickery with a short corner routine the umpire ruled out his eventual strike as being the first shot at goal and over the backboard. City equally thought they must have had an equaliser in the final minutes only to find Barney King at his most athletic and the umpire unable to confirm if the ball had crossed the line before it was clawed away from under his body.
Although the result was not the important issue the game does put Gorleston in good heart for their travel to Lowestoft Railway at Kirkley next week for a final friendly game before returning to league action. Push-back is at 1 pm and transport leaves the Albion at 12 noon.

Match Report 13/12/08: Norwich Dragons 2nd XI (1-3) Gorleston (League)

A win under floodlights and light rain brought the first half of Gorleston's season in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League to a satisfactory end comfortably in fifth place on 21 points.
The match itself was a scrappy affair between two evenly matched sides. Gorleston opened the scoring through Damien Bunting back after suspension and doubled the lead when Adam Stone also making a welcome return to the squad fired home before the interval. In the second half the hosts got one goal back before Mark Vaudin restored the two goal advantage from a short corner.
The next game will be a friendly at Cliff Park Community Pitch on 3rd January when Norwich City 3 will be the visitors. Push-back is at 2.30 pm.

Match Report 06/12/08: Felixstowe 1st XI (4-1) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston travelled to unbeaten league leaders Felixstowe 1st X1 on Saturday and came away with no points but a creditable performance under their belts. Felixstowe were unlucky last year to be relegated from Division 2 North East of the NE14 Hockey East Mens League and they have since strengthened their side determined to bounce straight back. On this display they should have no difficulty in obtaining one of the two automatic promotion spots.
Gorleston were unlucky to be without Jamie Higginbotham and Jason Austin but Ross Kosyrko and Johnny Mobbs came into the squad and both acquitted themselves well with some timely tackles and forward running. But the Felixstowe class was apparent from the start and the Gorleston defence had already had one or two scares before skipper Jack Entwhistle put them ahead on 15 minutes deflecting the ball home following a somewhat fortuitous short corner award.
The game continued with some high quality pace and skill from both sides before 3 minutes from half-time the home side struck again, this time a swift counter attack down the left wing saw Felixstowe centre for Phil Leney to control the ball well and drill it past Barney King in the Gorleston goal.
After the interval Felixstowe continued to dominate up front with their speed and trickery and MOM Barney King had to be at his best to produce several fine saves. But after 17 minutes he was powerless to stop Jack Entwhistle scoring and when the skipper completed his hat-trick 5 minutes later it seemed another 5 goal Suffolk defeat for Gorleston was on the cards. But this time the visitors dug deep and with defenders Andrew Lilly Nick Mobbs Martyn Vaudin and Kevin MacDonald working overtime the team fully deserved their consolation goal 10 minutes from time when Mark Vaudin fired home on the right from a narrow angle.
Despite this result Gorleston remain comfortably placed 5th in the league table on 18 points and next week take on Norwich Dragons 2nd X1 in their postponed slip date match looking to consolidate a very satisfactory first half of the season. The game is at Hobart High School Loddon at 4.30 pm and transport leaves the Albion PH at 3.15pm

Match Report 30/11/08: Gorleston (3-1) Newbury & Thatcham 1st XI (H A VASE ROUND 3)

On Sunday Gorleston entertained unbeaten Newbury and Thatcham 1 of the Southern Division in Round 3 of the HA Vase and cruised to a 3 - 1 victory when the visitors could muster nine players on the pitch.
Fielding a particularly strong side with guest appearances from Adam Stone Gareth Green and Ross Trimble Gorleston grabbed an early goal through Russ Crawford and although this was ruled out by a sweet short corner strike from Newbury skipper Kevin Lambert 10 minutes later Adam Stone put the home side in front again following a well taken free-hit from Peter Jones on the right. Two minutes later Mark Vaudin was on hand to double the lead with the best move of the game and that ended the scoring despite an entertaining second half notable for a spectacular disallowed goal by Gareth Green and constant "Houdini" warwhoops from Newbury's centre-forward who also showed plenty of skill and was unlucky not to have more support up front.

Match Report 29/11/08: Gorleston (7-1) Pelicans 2nd XI (League)

For the second successive match Gorleston scored seven goals against a major Norfolk Club's development team and so next week travel with confidence to take on league leader's Felixstowe 1 determined not to capitulate as they have done this season against the two other leading Suffolk title contenders Harleston 3 and Bury 2.
As with Norwich City 3 two weeks ago Gorleston certainly had the edge in speed and commitment but their young opponents showed some neat touches from time to time and gave their hosts plenty to think about throughout the game. But the Gorleston defence well marshalled by Andrew Lilly and Nick Mobbs seldom looked troubled and this left plenty of opportunities and time for the midfield quartet of Johnny Mobbs Martyn Vaudin Jamie Higginbotham and Kevin MacDonald to move forward frequently in support the forwards on attack.
The breakthrough came after 20 minutes when Russ Crawford and Malcolm Berry created confusion in the Pelicans D and the ball rebounded kindly to Monty Raymond six yards out who made no mistake with his strike. Ten minutes later and Gorleston were two up - this time Nick Mobbs overlapped down the right wing and his cross beat Russ and his marker but was slotted home by Monty on the reverse stick at the far post.
After the interval and under floodlights it did not take Gorleston long to seal the game. First Russ Crawford got his name on the scoresheet with a good opportunist effort before Nick Mobbs combined well with Mark Vaudin for the latter to power home the best goal of the match. There was to be no respite for the visitors when six minutes later Jamie Higginbotham scored following a short corner but Pelicans despite a hamstring injury to one of their defenders never gave up and were rewarded for their efforts when Sam Kent pulled a goal back following good work down the right by Olly Batterham.
Monty Raymond however was determined to have the last word. Five minutes from time he was delighted to fire home for his first hat-trick for the Club and he was to claim a fourth goal two minutes later when his well struck shot was helped into his own net by a Pelicans defender.

Match Report 15/11/08: Gorleston (7-2) Norwich City 3rd XI (League)

Gorleston bounced back from a terrible start to secure their best win of the season so far against a young but pacey Norwich City side. With Jason Austin and skipper Kevin MacDonald back in the line-up and welcoming Stuart Brain in goal in the absence of Barney King, Stuart must have wondered what the afternoon had in store for him when the visitors shot into a 2 goal lead following some uncharacteristic errors from the defence in front of him. First on the unpredictable surface the ball bobbled over two Gorleston sticks and the City winger was away down the right wing to centre for Toby Leonard to convert at the far post on the stretch. Then minutes later on the other wing a similar move saw the ball pulled back in the D to Adi Marr who made no mistake with his finish.
Rattled but not undaunted Gorleston pushed forward and it was Man of the Match Martyn Vaudin who got the side moving on 15 minutes by cleverly releasing Russ Crawford who comfortably beat the City keeper one on one. Then 9 minutes later it was Russ' turn to become provider when again following good work by Martyn he drew the keeper and squared for Malcolm Berry to equalize.
Suddenly it was the visitors whose heads dropped and some of the younger members of their squad appeared rattled by the superior fair if sometimes physical approach of the home side. Sensing this Gorleston raised their game and shortly before half-time defender Andrew Lilly appeared unmarked in the City D to fire home for their lead for the first time.
The second half was very much one way traffic on the visitors goal. Six minutes in and from a short corner Jamie Higginbotham scored with his first drag-flick before extending lead to three by deflecting in a Russ Crawford strike ten minutes later. Gorleston brought on as their substitute another new player Sam Raymond but before he could settle in on the right wing it was Stuart Brain's turn to produce the save of the game to deprive Adi Marr of his second goal at the other end. But there was no stopping Gorleston now who returned to the attack and 15 minutes from time Russ Crawford was on hand to score his second and Gorleston's sixth. A couple of bad challenges saw Nick Mobbs and Andrew Lilly warned for their conduct and the game was then played out quietly to a final flourish - a free hit awarded to Gorleston just outside the D was taken by Mark Vaudin whose powerful strike was deflected by Monty Raymond over the defensive wall and into the far corner of the City net.
Next week Gorleston travel to take on the former NU side Norwich Dragons 2nd Xl with a push-back on the new astro at Hobart High School Loddon at 4.30 pm. Transport leaves the Albion PH at 3.15 pm. Gorleston remain 5th in the Division 3 NE of the NE14 East Mens League table with 15 points and their opponents are eighth on 8.
On Sunday in their 3rd Round HA Vase match Gorleston are up against a Southern Division side Newbury & Thatcham1st X1 at Cliff Park with push-back at 1 pm. The Match will be played to a conclusion with extra time and penalties if necessary and spectators are very welcome.

Match Report 08/11/08: UEA 1st XI (5-2) Gorleston (League)

This was a disappointing result for Gorleston who never really got going against a very useful UEA side until it was far too late in the game. Welcoming back Nick and Johnny Mobbs along with Russ Crawford but missing skipper Kevin MacDonald the defence coped well enough with the skillful students attack in the first half and were unlucky to concede an early goal when a shot from Alex Barton was deflected by Andrew Lilly into his own net. Gorleston had chances to equalize but for once the forward line was finding it difficult to control the final pass and when Barton nipped in after 22 minutes to score UEA's second the visitors were clearly up against the odds of taking any points.
In the second half Gorleston continued to press forward but by now there was a hint of desperation in their play. Damien Bunting who had been cautioned for an earlier challenge received his first yellow card for a similar offence and in his absence UEA capitalized with 3 quickly taken goals - all of them profiting from having an unmarked player hovering in the Gorleston D as the rest of the defence pushed forward to try and salvage something from the game.
But on getting back to full strength at 5 nil down the match turned Gorleston's way. Ten minutes from time Jamie Higginbotham converted a short corner and when he repeated the score 2 minutes later suddenly it was the students whose backs were to the wall. But then came an incident which may have far-reaching repercussions - in a tackle Damien was hit over the head with by a UEA stick and he committed the cardinal sin of retaliating. Both players were sin-binned for the rest of the game but there appears the possibility that Damien's offence may have been up-graded to a red which could then attract disqualification and penalties for a significant period.
Next week Gorleston entertain Norwich City 3 at Cliff Park and push-back is at 2.30 pm. Lying 5th in the Division 3 NE of the NE14 East Mens League table with 12 points and with City third from bottom on 5 Gorleston will be anxious to regain their winning form before a difficult weekend following when they visit Norwich Dragons 2 on Saturday and play their 3rd Round HA Vase match against Newbury & Thatcham1 at home on Sunday

Match Report 01/11/08: Gorleston (2-1) Ipswich 4th XI (League)

Gorleston were delighted with this victory over the 2007 Division 4 Champions and so make some amends for the double defeat at their hands last year in the run-up to promotion. This was always going to be a hard fought game as home side were without Nick Mobbs Russ Crawford and Jason Austin but with imposing guest appearances by Gorleston Old Boy Adrian Pennington and newcomer Ross Kozyrko in the team their absence was hardly noticed.
The game was played at a brisk pace throughout in slowly deteriorating conditions and it was Ipswich who drew first blood when after barely 5 minutes they were awarded a short corner which Gary Scarff converted from a rebound off Barney King's pads. But Gorleston continued to make some good forward runs and were rewarded in the 25th minute -Jamie Higginbotham broke down the right wing and his firmly struck cross was deflected by Monty Raymond in to the far corner of the Ipswich net.
All square at the interval was a fair reflection of play but then the floodlights were needed as the rain intensified and players found it difficult to keep their feet. The extra light at least appeared to pierce the gloom for Gorleston whose game suddenly notched up a gear. With Andrew Lilly Mark Vaudin and the players MOM Adrian Penn holding firm in defence it was now the home side who were edging the game up front and when they were awarded a short corner on 13 minutes Jamie Higginbotham was able to power in one of his dragflick specials past the visitors helpless keeper.
That as it turned out was the winner and enough to see Gorleston consolidate their position in the top six of Division 3NE of the NE14 East Mens Hockey League but there was still plenty of excitement and anxious moments before the final whistle was blown. Barney King redeemed his earlier error with one cracking save but the best was a point blank stop by the Ipswich keeper from a Mark Vaudin short corner variation which would have sealed the result nicely.
Next week Gorleston travel to the UEA Sportspark to take on the high-flying UEA 1st X1. It is the first time these two teams have met as League opposition and push-back is at 1.00 pm. Transport leaves the Albion at 11.45 am.

Match Report 25/10/08: Bury 2nd XI (5-1) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston travelled to Bury with only 10 players following late call-offs and were unlucky to meet a home side on top of their game. That said for the first half Gorleston matched their opponents in every department and could well have snatched two early goals which might have made all the difference. First Malcolm Berry spurned an open goal and then a well worked short corner variation by Jamie Higginbotham saw Bury in all sorts of trouble. However as the game went on the home side settled and began to use their extra man to better advantage drawing the Gorleston defence to mark individuals before crossing to unmarked players. No surprise then when shortly before the interval centre-forward Ian Kanforth got free to fire home from the top of the circle leaving Barney King helpless.
The second half was a completely different affair. Within 3 minutes Jonathan Parry had doubled Bury's lead and when Ian Kanforth again broke to score from the restart Gorleston were really up against it. But their defence marshalled gamely by Andrew Lilly and Nick Mobbs held their shape and when Damien Bunting burst through the centre to score his first league goal for Gorleston after 20 minutes it seemed possible a comeback might yet be on the cards. But then disaster struck - first running into the boundary fence Mark Vaudin injured his shoulder and had to leave the field and almost immediately Damien Bunting blotted his copybook and was sin-binned. With only 8 players now on the field Bury won a short corner which their captain Pali Surdkur totally miscued - the bounce of the ball completely fooling Barney King who deflected it into his own net. The final moments saw Damien return but with Andrew Lilly then yellow carded for a repeat professional foul Bury rubbed salt into the wound of his absence with James Thurlow getting his name on the scoresheet. But it was by no means a bad performance from Gorleston in the circumstances who will take heart from their display if disappointed by the final score-line.
Next week the visitors to Cliff Park are last season's Division 4 Champions Ipswich 4th X1 and Gorleston will be anxious to record a victory to stabilize their mid table position. Push-back is at 2.30 pm.

Match Report 18/10/08: Gorleston (1-0) Harleston 4th XI (League)

Gorleston returned to winning ways with a fully deserved if narrow victory against Harleston Magpies 4th X1. The visitors were a far cry from their Club's 3rd team who won here in controversial circumstances last week being primarily a development squad of some seven or eight talented teenagers aided and abetted intelligently by 4 senior players. The result was a fine game played full of attractive hockey as the youngsters tested their pace and skills against the greater experience and physicality of Gorleston who it seemed always had the edge when it came to loose ball challenges.
Missing Jason Austin injured in last week's battle but welcoming the return of Nick Mobbs and Jamie Higginbotham Gorleston started brightly and indeed had the major share of possession throughout the game. But despite several well worked attacks and short corners particularly before and after the interval their final pass or shot did not have the accuracy of recent weeks and the longer the game went on goalless the more likely it seemed Harleston might just snatch an unexpected winner. Fortunately however 15 minutes from time Russ Crawford was on hand to spare the home side's blushes turning quickly in the circle to fire home a loose ball in off the post.
Despite more impeccable performances from Andrew Lilly Jamie Higginbotham and Nick Mobbs in defence and the probing runs of Mark and Martyn Vaudin up front there was still time for the visitors to respond and goal-keeper Barney King had to be at his best in the final minutes to save first a short corner and then another almost certain equalizer. But that would have been less than Gorleston deserved and the win keeps them fourth in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League table.
Next week Gorleston travel to Bury to take on second placed Bury 2 at Nowton Park. Push-back is at 1.30 pm and transport leaves the Albion at 11 am.

Match Report 11/10/08: Gorleston (1-5) Harleston 3rd XI (League)

A disappointing result for Gorleston but not altogether unexpected facing as they were a Harleston side unbeaten so far this season. Missing Nick Mobbs and Jamie Higginbotham and with last week's hero Malcolm Berry sidelined on umpire duty Gorleston by all accounts never really got going and the reshuffled team lacked discipline in the face of the visitors total physical commitment. Gorleston started brightly but found it difficult break Harleston's strong defence. Damien Bunting playing his first game for Gorleston particularly came in for some strong tackling and on other days both he and his marker could well have been sin-binned for their running feud throughout the game. The result was that most of the game was played in Gorleston's half and despite good performances from Andrew Lilly and Barney King the visitors scored after 15 minutes and by half-time were four up with strikes from Matt Stortz Craig Whipps and Matt Brand. An injury to skipper Kevin MacDonald added further to Gorleston woes but they did pull one goal back early in the second half when Monty Raymond netted a Jason Austin short corner. Shortly after however the visitors restored their match-winning advantage through Stortz and then held out comfortably to overtake Gorleston in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League table.
Next week the visitors to Cliff Park are Harleston's 4th X1 lying presently fourth in the same league. Push-back is at 2.30 pm Gorleston will hope they can bounce back to take revenge against the Suffolk Club's junior side.

Match Report 04/10/08: Lowestoft Town (0-5) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston moved to second spot on goal difference in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League with a crushing derby defeat of local rivals Lowestoft 1. Although playing without skipper Kevin MacDonald (unwell) and Dale Kemp (on 3 months work transfer to Aberdeen) Gorleston welcomed the return of last season's power-house Jason Austin midfield and almost from the start took the game to their hosts with a pace and skill so reminiscent of last year's promotion campaign.
For the first 15 minutes Lowestoft held firm but then came a beautifully worked goal. A midfield cross was intercepted and before the home defence could recover a swift counter saw Russ Crawford pull the keeper off his line and cross for Malcolm Berry to fire into an empty net. Lowestoft regrouped and held their line until half-time but their forwards were getting nowhere against Gorleston's defence in which Andrew Lilly Nick Mobbs Jamie Higginbotham and Peter Jones were also outstanding.
Within 2 minutes of the restart Gorleston scored again and the result was just about settled. This time it was Mark Vaudin who joined in the move and flat-footed several defenders before crossing for Monty Raymond to fire home his first league goal for the Club. Unlike last week against UEA Gorleston were in no mood to ease up and ten minutes later Malcolm Berry scored his second before completing a memorable hat-trick a quarter hour from the end. Lowestoft were still trying to find their game but to no avail - the few times their forwards got into the D Barney King coolly covered his line and snuffed out any danger. This left the final word to Jamie Higginbotham who 3 minutes from the end dragged a trademark short corner bullet into the roof of the net to send the partisan Gorleston spectators and players home very happy.
Next week the visitors to Cliff Park are Harleston Magpies 3rd X1 lying presently fourth in the table and also undefeated. Push-back is at 2.30 pm. The result could be a difficult to forecast as Gorleston will have one or two enforced absences from their squad.

Match Report 27/09/08: Gorleston (5-3) UEA 2nd XI (League)

Gorleston began their new season in Division 3 NE of the NE14 East Mens Hockey League with what should have been a comfortable win over UEA's second string who had also been promoted from Division 4 last year. But after 18 minutes and coasting at four goals up they inexplicably allowed the students to take the initiative - so much so that by the time the visitors had scored their third goal 15 minutes from the end Gorleston seemed in real danger of surrendering all the three points which their opening spell appeared to have guaranteed.
The game itself sparked into life after 2 minutes when following s short corner Jamie Higginbotham slotted home on the reverse. Ten minutes later the hosts increased that lead as Nick Mobbs scored the goal of the match picking up a loose clearance on the right and cutting into the circle to beat the keeper with a powerful strike at the near post. Gorleston at this stage were first to every loose ball and when first Russ Crawford and then Monty Raymond scored twice more in the space of two minutes a rout appeared on the cards.
Then came the fightback. First on 25 minutes the students were awarded a free hit on Gorleston's 25 and from the resulting cross Phil Beer eluded his marker to open UEA's scoring. Immediately after the break they struck again as David Fletcher found time and space to beat Barney King in goal and when Ali Smyth scored their third from a short corner Gorleston were clearly rattled. But when MOM Russ Crawford whose darting runs had been a constant threat up front restored the home side's two goal advantage seven minutes from the end Gorleston's nerve steadied and the final whistle came as a welcome relief not only for them but for both sides from the heat and the sun.
Next week Gorleston travel to Kirkley to take on Lowestoft 1 the first time these 2 derby sides have met each other as league opposition. With push-back at 2.30 Gorleston's transport leaves from the Albion at 1 pm.

Match Report 06/09/08: Norfolk Nomads 1st XI (1-8) Gorleston (Friendly)

Gorleston opened the new hockey season with a convincing win in a friendly warm-up game over a side two divisions below them in the East Mens League. With five of last season's regular missing through injury or on holiday absence, Gorleston's replacements slotted in easily to show the Club's strength in depth, a factor which will no doubt face a stiff examination this season in the league following promotion last April.
Welcome new faces were Monty Raymond and Ross Trindle both formerly with Lowestoft Railway, but also 15 year-old Johnny Mobbs younger brother of last year's Player of the Year Nick Mobbs - all of them showing touches of real class in this match which should make the team selectors task a difficult but pleasant one.
The game itself was very one-sided - four Gorleston goals in each half with a late consolation for Nomads giving Mason Jerome in goal for the first time little opportunity to shine. Scorers were Monty Raymond (2) Malcolm Berry (2) Nick Mobbs, Russ Crawford, Mark Vaudin and Ross Trindle.
Next week Gorleston welcome Norwich Dragons 2 (formerly Norwich Union) to Cliff Park Community Pitch at 2.30 pm. Although another friendly match the Norwich side are also in Division 3 North East so the result will be an early pointer as to how Gorleston fare over the weeks and months to come.

Previous Seasons' Reports - go here!