Tangerine News

Matches 2009-2010

Match Report 10/04/10: Gorleston (4-2) Sudbury 2nd XI (League)

Gorleston rounded off a most satisfactory season in Division 3 North East of the NE 14 East Mens League with their eighth successive win this time against third from bottom Club Sudbury 2 at Cliff Park last Saturday.
With Jason Austin James Clarkson and top scorer Simon Long all absent Russ Crawford led the line and two early goals from him not only took the pressure off the team but also enable Russ to make up ground and equalise Simon's final tally of 19 goals this season and so clinch third place for Gorleston in the league behind promoted Harleston Magpies 3 and Norwich Dragons 1.
In defence Gorleston welcomed back Nick Mobbs on leave from College and his strong tackling with Andrew Lilly and Kevin MacDonald seldom allowed the Sudbury forward line to maintain long periods of pressure. And so with midfielders Jamie Higginbotham Richard Pallant Mark and Martyn Vaudin able to break forward at will it was no surprise when Mark Vaudin got into the Sudbury D after 5 minutes and his shot was helped into the net by Russ Crawford, who then 15 minutes later neatly slotted home again following a defensive mix-up.
Just before half-time Sudbury were thrown a lifeline when Brendon Myers fired in a short corner but their joy was short-lived as Malcolm Berry came on as substitute and two minutes into the second half combined well with Russ to restore Gorleston's 2 goal lead. And it was all over for the visitors when 10 minutes later Malcolm neatly nipped in to get his second and Gorleston's fourth.
After that in the hot sun the tempo of the game dropped and Sudbury were able to put together a few good moves with their right winger in particular causing some moments of unease with his darting runs. It was from one of these following a quickly taken hit-in he got to the by-line first and crossed for Adam Bullock to beat Barney King at the near post. But the deficit was always going to be too much for the visitors to overhaul and when Mark Vaudin dislocated his shoulder and was taken to the JPH shortly before the final whistle both sides were happy to call it a day.
Gorleston's thoughts now turn to their 100th Centenary Event on the weekend of 22nd/23rd May when there will be festival games at Cliff Park and a Dinner/Dance on the Saturday night at the Great Yarmouth Racecourse Conference Centre. Information and details to follow.

Match Report 27/03/10: Ipswich 4th XI (0-10) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston travelled to Ipswich for this rearranged fixture and were able to call on a very strong squad only missing a couple of first team regulars due to injury and family commitments. Gorleston started the game very brightly with Richard Pallent pulling the strings in the heart of midfield. Gorleston having the majority of possession soon saw Mark Vaudin break down the right wing and cut into the D, his cross/shot was deflected into the goal to give Gorleston an early lead. After the restart Gorleston camped outside the Ipswich 25 yard line and were soon awarded several short corners. With the direct shot not working Gorleston changed tactics allowing Simon Long to ghost in on the far post and slip the ball past the stranded keeper to give Gorleston a two goal lead into the half time break.
Gorleston decided the next goal would settle the game and so with the restart pushed very hard and it was not long before Simon Long popped up again to score after good approach play by Gorleston. With the returning Monty Raymond and Malcolm Berry rotating at left wing Gorleston found space for Jamie Clarkson to pick his spot and get on the score sheet. With the game getting stretched Ipswich did manage to trouble Barnaby King but he pulled off a series of stunning saves to deny Ipswich. This spurred Gorleston on, and with the platform of Martyn Vaudin and Herman Chung, were able to release Jason Austin whose thunderous shot trickled under the Ipswich keeper. Gorleston then seemed to go into another gear with some very slick play and saw Simon Long score three goals in quick succession. Not to be out done Jamie Higginbotham also scored after picking the ball out the air and slotting it calmly past the Ipswich keeper. Gorleston still pressing hard brought on another forward in Russ Crawford but unfortunately his game did not last long when he was struck on the elbow by a stray shot at goal. With the clock running down Simon Long was the fastest to react to a cross and scored his sixth goal of the game. All in all, a very good performance from every member of the team.

Match Report 20/03/10: Norwich Dragons 2nd XI (2-5) Gorleston (League)

For the second week in succession Gorleston notched up a 5 goal haul and are now only one point behind third placed Pelicans 2 in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League. Saturday's game at Hobart School Loddon was against Norwich Dragons 2 and this time it was Neil Hudson who eased Gorleston into an early lead after good approach work by Jamie Higginbotham and skipper Kevin MacDonald. The side then seemed to relax and the hosts took advantage of some defensive confusion to equalise. But Gorleston's recent run of success has given them the confidence to continue to press forward and another well worked move saw Hudson release Russ Crawford to restore the visitors lead.
It was good to see Andrew Lilly and Richard Pallant back on the pitch again but both were only to play limited roles as they sustained further knocks and were substituted to avoid aggravating previous injuries. On came Simon Long and his extra presence up front combined with an excellent mid-field display by Jamie Higginbotham upped the pressure on the home side leading to 2 further goals before the interval. First Hudson got his second intercepting and punishing a Dragons 15 metre defensive hit out and then after the half-time whistle had gone Simon Long slotted home a second short corner award after Higginbotham's first had struck a post and created chaos in the Dragons D.
The 3 goal margin was always going to be too much for Dragons to overturn but they gave it their best shot and were rewarded with one back some 10 minutes in. However then came the goal of the game as a defensive clearance from Jason Austin was picked up by MOM Neil Hudson on the half-way line. His clever turn and overhead pass to the edge of the Dragons D was skilfully controlled by Simon Long who hit the ball on the volley to give the keeper no chance.
Gorleston's next match is away at bottom club Ipswich 4 fulfilling a January fixture postponed by snow. A win there and at home to Sudbury 2 on 10th April will secure 3rd place in the League with Harleston 3 and Norwich Dragons 1 already out of reach and promoted. The pushback is at 1.30pm at Henley Road and transport leaves the Albion at 11.15am.

Match Report 13/03/10: Gorleston (4-1) North Walsham 1st XI (League)

Gorleston consolidated 4th position in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League with their fifth successive win this time at Cliff Park Community Pitch at the expense of 7th placed North Walsham 1. With 3 games to go Gorleston's chancss of securing 3rd place were helped as Pelicans 2 could only manage a 2 - 2 draw at home to Bury 2 so with a game in hand over their West Norfolk rivals Gorleston have every incentive to battle on and more importantly score freely as Pelicans have a slightly superior goal difference.
Saturday's game saw the return of Adam Stone and Johnny Mobbs but with Richard Pallant still nursing a muscle injury and James Clarkson away it was the now fit Mark Vaudin on the right wing and MOM centre forward Russ Crawford who caught the eye. A constant threat to the visitors defence it was no surprise when after 10 minutes Russ and Simon Long pounced on a loose ball in the North Walsham D and it was Simon who got the last touch to score. Gorleston then doubled their advantage shortly before the interval when from a quickly taken Jamie Higginbotham free hit Neil Hudson spun cleverly in the D to fire home.
Some of Gorleston's first half play had not been up to recent standards and it took an early goal from the visitors after the break to fire up the team. North Walsham were awarded a short corner from which the resultant first strike rocketed into the roof of the net. Arguments to the umpires that this was hardly a drag-flick fell on deaf ears so Gorleston then responded in the best possible way by upping their game and the two goal lead was soon restored when from a right wing cross by Simon Long Russ Crawford freakishly got a touch on the ball which flew into the net. The visitors tried to respond again with a series of long hits but the Gorleston defence with Adam Stone Jason Austin and Jamie Higginbotham stood solid and when Simon Long completed the scoring from a well worked short corner routine there was no way back for them .
Next week's opponents are Norwich Dragons 2 with pushback at Hobart High School Loddon 10.30 am. Transport leaves the Albion at 9.15 am.

Match Report 06/03/10: Dereham 3rd XI (3-5) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston's excellent form in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League was maintained on Saturday as they climbed to fourth position on 30 points at the expense of Dereham's third team. Gorleston welcomed back Mark Vaudin after a lengthy shoulder injury and until he tired towards the end of the game his speed and skill on the right wing posed a constant threat in the absence of Jamie Clarkson and Adam Stone.
Gorleston took a while to settle down and it was the home side who took the advantage and an early goal before Neil Hudson equalised with a fine strike after 10 minutes. Dereham then restored their lead but had no answer to Jamie Higginbotham's drag-flicked short corner shortly before half-time to equalise again.
Early in the second half Gorleston suddenly upped their game and scored three times in quick succession to seal a deserved victory. First MOM Neil Hudson struck again to convert another Mark Vaudin pinpoint cross before a well worked 5 man move instigated by Jamie Higginbotham saw Simon Long slip the ball home. And then Gorleston went 5 - 2 up as another slick short corner variation was tucked home by Simon again before Dereham notched a consolation third in the dying minutes from a short corner of their own.
With 4 more games to go Gorleston's chances of taking third spot in the league look slim after a surprise upset as Pelicans 3 beat leaders Harleston Magpies 2 but Gorleston hope to close the gap this Saturday when they take on North Walsham 1. The visitors unexpectedly beat them at Cromer last November and Gorleston with a full strength side and a 2.30 pushback will be out for revenge.

Match Report 27/02/10: Gorleston (3-0) Harleston Magpies 4th XI (League)

In Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League Gorleston entertained sixth placed Harleston Magpies 4 at their Cliff Park Community Pitch home on Saturday and ran out comfortable winners after scoring three times in a rain swept first half. Still missing Mark Vaudin and Andrew Lilly - Andrew it seems has now been ruled out for the rest of the season with his cruciate ligament football injury - and with Jason Austin and Jamie Higginbotham from last week's victorious 9 man team also away, Gorleston welcomed back Richard Pallant Simon Long Jonny Mobbs and Adam Stone all of whom made important midfield contributions in an otherwise evenly matched game. Early on it was the visitors who set the pace but Barney King in the Gorleston goal was at his very best apart from one error which he immediately redeemed with a fine save and thereafter his presence gave solidity to a back line which seldom looked in trouble. Once again however it was the Gorleston forward line which looked the more dangerous on the break and after 10 minutes Russ Crawford fired home the first goal. This was followed not long after by an Adam Stone reverse sweep which a defender could only helplessly deflect into his own net and the writing was on the wall for the visitors youthful development squad. Five minutes from half time Gorleston notched their third goal when from a short corner stop by Martyn Vaudin James Clarkson's strike was deflected past the keeper by Simon Long.
At this point this point the rain ceased and in a sunlit second half the game was played out with both midfields dominating Gorleston having done enough to seal a victory which lifts them above next week's opponents Dereham 3 into fourth place on 27 points. That game's pushback at 12 noon in Dereham and transport leaves the Albion at 10.15 am.

Match Report 20/02/10: Bury 2nd XI (3-4) Gorleston (League)

Missing four players out injured two on holiday and a further one failing to meet his transport Gorleston travelled to Culford School to take on fourth placed Bury 2 with only 9 players and fearing the worst for this Division 3 North East EML clash. Instead however the depleted team through hard work and meticulous planning produced what will surely rank as their best game this season to bring home all three points and close to within one point of their 4th place Suffolk rivals.
Bury started off confidentally enough as one might expect with their numerical superiority but when their wingers were unable to drag the Gorleston defence of Jason Austin Herman Cheung Martyn Vaudin and Kevin MavDonald out of position it became apparent they were running out of ideas and that the occasional forward runs of James Clarkson Jamie Higginbotham Russ Crawford and Neil Hudson were far more dangerous. So it proved after 15 minutes when James Clarkson neatly turned his marker again on the half way line and raced away into the Bury half to fire powerfully past the advancing keeper. 5 minutes later and Gorleston were 2 up as they won a short corner and Jamie Higginbotham's drag-flick was only prevented from crossing the line by a defender's boot. So up stepped James Clarkson and from the penalty spot again beat the keeper to double his team's advantage.
Jubilant at their unexpected success Gorleston tried to consolidate but Bury soon showed why they were in the top four as Alex Andreou pounced to fire home a loose ball in the Gorleston D. But this only spurred another break as from the restart James Clarkson lobbed an overhead pass to Jamie Higginbotham who weaved through some sloppy defending to restore Gorleston's 2 goal advantage.
After the interval and a further tactical team-talk Gorleston came out strongly and should have wrapped up the points quickly from two good opportunities. First a great break and cross from the right by Jamie Higginbotham saw Neil Hudson miss an open goal and three minutes later the same player had the ball in the net only to find the umpire failed to play advantage and awarded a short corner instead. This was missed and predictably Bury were the first to recover as Alex Andreou profited from an uncleared short corner at the other end to make the score 3-2.
Gorleston's individual superior skills and tactics particularly at short corners however were not going to be wasted and four minutes later a neat 5 man move from one gave Neil Hudson the chance to walk the ball into the net and gain some consolation for his earlier misses. The two goal margin was enough to seal victory but not before Gorleston had to endure a jittery last 5 minutes after that man Andreou got his hat-trick with a fine strike past Barney King.
Gorleston are back at Cliff Park on Saturday to begin to wind up their season against lower teams in their Division. This week's opponents are Harleston Magpies 4 with a push-back at 2.30pm and hopefully when their injured players return they can set their sights on a higher than the 5th place finish to round off their centenary year.

Match Report 13/02/10: Gorleston (2-1) Pelicans 2nd XI (League)

In a closely fought game in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League Gorleston took the honours and so gained some revenge for the 7 - 2 defeat inflicted by their 3rd placed visitors in Kings Lynn last October. Missing Andrew Lilly out injured playing football and other key players Gorleston drafted the experience of Peter Jones back into the squad and his presence at full back in the first half with Jason Austin helped to steady the defence when they came under pressure from a lively Pelicans forward line in which skipper Steven Long was outstanding.
Gorleston themselves up front were no slouches and probing runs from Simon Long Russ Crawford and MOM Richard Pallant were causing problems for the visitors all afternoon. But having taken a 2 goal lead through short corners converted first by Simon and then by Russ they took their foot off the pedal somewhat and allowed Pelicans back into the game. A minute into the second half arriving out of nowhere Steven Long drifted through a static defence to spark the fightback which continued up to the final whistle. By then Gorleston had seen at least two shots from Pelicans whistle past and over Barney King's goal and an unbiased spectator would probably agree a draw would have been a fairer result.
Most notable however was perhaps the number of injuries and high speed falls suffered by both sides on a slippery surface only recently cleared of snow. The Cliff Park Astroturf is particularly unforgiving in such conditions for the twists and turns the talented players in this League and it will be surprising if all of them will be fully recovered by next week.
In the meantime Gorleston remain at sixth place in the league table on 21 points and next week take on Bury 2 away hoping to complete a double. Pushback is at 12.00 and transport leaves the Albion PH at 9.30 am.

Match Report 06/02/10: Norwich Dragons 1st XI (3-2) Gorleston (League)

After another week's lay-off for bad weather Gorleston returned to action in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League on an away game at Loddon against Norwich Dragons 1 who are second placed in the league and the most likely candidates for promotion with leaders Harleston 3.
In an evenly matched encounter the game was unfortunately marred again by the ill-discipline and lack of respect to the umpires which some members of the Dragons team had exhibited in the two Clubs first encounter last October. The home side no doubt ever anxious to maintain their grip on promotion appeared to argue every decision which went against them and Gorleston these days are not an outfit prepared to roll over without a fight.
Norwich in the first half established a comfortable two goal lead but as the game wore on and Gorleston fought back with two well-worked goals from Russ Crawford and Neil Hudson tempers on occasion flared which the umpires tried their best to control. The end result however was a yellow card for Dragons Ed Gould which was upgraded to a red for abuse to the umpire as he left the pitch, a charge almost certainly to be rewarded with a 30 day suspension. By then however Dragons had struck the winning goal to gain their valuable 3 points but for overall displays like this most Clubs will be glad to see them out of their fixture list.

Match Report 23/01/10: Gorleston (1-4) Harleston Magpies 3rd XI (League)

After a six week lay-off for Christmas and bad weather Gorleston returned to action in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League with a game against the strongest possible opposition - unbeaten and clear league leaders Harleston 3.
Playing at Cliff Park Gorleston welcomed back Jason Austin and Adam Stone and only missing from the full squad were James Clarkson Monty Raymond and close season  signing Neil Hutson from Lowestoft. With Magpies also at full strength the result was a superb game of hockey full of fast flowing skills producing frequent goal-mouth action with the visitors only having the edge thanks to more clinical finishing.
For the first 20 minutes the game was absorbing with each attack and counter attack meeting resilient defence and some brave and at times brilliant goal-keeping. In the Gorleston forward line the nippy skills of Richard Pallant Russ Crawford Simon Long and Adam Stone were a constant problem for ex International Phil Cobald and his hard-worked defence, whilst Magpies Matt Brand  Gavin Cole and James Goodson had to be at their best to get the better of Andrew Lilly Herman Cheung Mark Vaudin and skipper Kevin MacDonald.
The stalemate was broken on 23 minutes - the visitors were awarded their second short corner and Matt Brand receiving the ball at the top of the D neatly slipped 2 defenders before striking home under Barney King from close range. Gorleston struck back immediately to gain penalty corners of their own as MOM Jamie Higginbotham down the left combined well with Russ Crawford and Simon Long to spark some dangerous runs but the visitors keeper was fortunate more than once to clear his lines.
After the break Gorleston  again started strongly but were completely caught cold with Magpies first break and second goal - Gavin Cole seemed to have overrun down the right before cutting in to work the bye-line neatly and beat Barney King at the near post. Still Gorleston pressed and five minutes later fully deserved their reward as Martyn Vaudin fired home another short corner to make the score 1 - 2.
The turning point in the match came after 15 minutes as Richard Pallant worked his way brilliantly into the Magpies circle only to be blatantly pushed off the ball by two defenders. Although a clear penalty to the spectators on the blind side of the umpire nothing was given and when Adam Stone a few minutes later repeated the move and shot wide on the reverse it seemed Gorleston were resigned to get nothing out of the game. And so it proved as in the final 8 minutes the visitors added two more quick goals. The first was from another short corner confidently converted by Gavin Cole who then moments later with a defender slipping on the greasy surface put Matt Brand in for his second to complete the league leader's flattering scoreline.
Next week Gorleston entertain Sudbury 2 in another home game starting at 2.30 pm and on this performance should have no difficulty in returning to winning form.

Match Report 12/12/09: Gorleston (2-1) Lowestoft Town (League)

It is not often one has to feel sorry for a Club with whom one has fought so many local derby battles but now has to be one such occasion. Lowestoft Town Hockey Club are currently bottom of Division 3 North East in the NE14 East Mens League and have already cancelled 3 away games for lack of players. One more cancellation with 12 games still to play and they will automatically be withdrawn from the league with the prospect that participation at any future level in all competitions of the sport will be at the management Committee's sole discretion.
On Saturday perhaps in the knowledge they could have one last foray with the 'old enemy' Lowestoft were able to muster a full squad for their visit to Cliff Park and after a tight and fractious game Gorleston managed to avenge the 1 - 2 defeat they suffered at Kirkley in their opening game of the league season. As with most derbies this was not a match for the faint hearted to watch - there was far too much back-chat and physical intimidation and the umpires did well to keep the game flowing as much as possible.
Gorleston buoyed up from their thumping victory over Norwich Dragons the week before were straight out the blocks and within a minute had taken the lead as former Lowestoft player James Clarkson broke into the D to cross for Monty Raymond to finish at the far post. But Lowestoft battened down the hatches and withstood the home side's further pressure until it surprisingly eased after 15 minutes. Thereafter Lowestoft with one or two good individual efforts began to make inroads into the Gorleston defence and shortly before half-time they were awarded a short corner which skipper Chris Thornton clinically converted.
Under the floodlights the second half was a disappointment as Gorleston missed opportunities and both sides became increasingly verbal. The flash-point occurred 20 minutes from the end when James Clarkson was physically assaulted in an off-the-ball incident by Lowestoft's centre forward Simon Harris who received a straight red card. Initially Simon refused to leave the pitch and the game had to be suspended for 10 minutes whilst tempers cooled and he departed acrimoniously.
On the restart the 10 men of Lowestoft tried to pack their defence but Gorleston at last settled down again to use their extra man and skills to go round rather than through their markers. The result was almost immediate as Russ Crawford Richard Pallant and MOM James Clarkson combined well for James to fire in the second goal and clinch a victory which should have been easier.
Gorleston at the Christmas break are now in 5th place on 18 points in the league table and will hopefully stabilise that spot in the New Year. As for Lowestoft with Simon Harris unlikely to avoid a period of disqualification and players continuing to leave for other Clubs their future at this level looks bleak and a long period of rehabilitation with new younger players seems inevitable. That is what happened at Gorleston 10 years ago when the Club dropped voluntarily to Division 6 and regrouped. It did them no harm at all. 

Match Report 05/12/09: Gorleston (5-0) Norwich Dragons 2nd XI (League)

What a difference a week can make. Welcoming back Andrew Lilly to strengthen the midfield and with Simon Walpole guesting in goal for the absent Barney King Gorleston's performance was little short of inspirational. Playing fast slick hockey with excellent performances from Monty Raymond and MOM Richard Pallant Gorleston completely dominated this match and with a little more composure in front of goal could easily have replicated their early season 9 nil drubbing of Ipswich 4.
After early pressure only 5 minutes had elapsed before Russ Crawford intercepted a poor defensive clearance and his measured pass sent James Clarkson clear to slot home with ease. Shortly after a great link-up move between Mark Vaudin and Monty Raymond saw Mark advance into the Dragons D and fire high and narrowly wide. The danger continued as 2 short corners were well saved but inevitably the pressure paid off and on 25 minutes Richard Pallant's industry saw him tuck the ball over the line following more confusion in the visitors defence.
The second half had barely begun before James Clarkson scored again this time weaving past several defenders on the left before pushing the ball under the advancing Dragons keeper. Andrew Lilly then made way for Jamie Higginbotham but it made little difference to the run of play as Gorleston continued to sweep forward. 5 minutes later and it was Jamie H who crossed for Russ Crawford to make it 4 nil at the near post.
To their credit Dragons never gave up and continued to take up good positions but they were just no match for the home side on the day. With the ball it seemed glued to every Gorleston stick and players making themselves available for each other the fifth goal came from a different approach as Martyn Vaudin was allowed too much space to drift into the D and fire home an unstoppable shot. That was 5 minutes from time but Dragons did have one last chance to gain some consolation - awarded a short corner in the dying minutes it was perhaps predictable their well taken strike was deflected wide at the near post by skipper Kevin MacDonald. A fitting reward for his side's great performance.

Match Report 28/11/09: North Walsham 1st XI (4-2) Gorleston (League)

A disappointing result for Gorleston in a match played under the worst possible conditions - a 4 pm pushback in dusk under poor floodlights. Despite a full strength side missing only Andrew Lilly Gorleston never really got going against their mid-table hosts and numerous chances went begging.
Walsham took a somewhat fortuitous 1 nil lead into the interval and after the restart Russ Crawford hit a post. The home side then doubled their tally with a disputed short corner strike and Gorleston heads seemed to drop. Only Simon Long was able to come out of the game with any credit as he plundered 2 goals in reply but Walsham continued to profit from unforced errors and with 2 more goals ran out comfortable winners.

Match Report 21/11/09: Gorleston (2-1) Dereham 3rd XI (League)

Gorleston completed a hat-trick of wins in Division 3 NE of the NE14 East Mens League to climb to 6th place on 12 points with this hard - fought victory against Dereham's 3rd X1 at Cliff Park last Saturday. Welcoming back Jamie Higginbotham on the sub's bench after flu and Russ Crawford with Tom Woodrow up front in place of the absent Jamie Clarkson and Richard Pallant the 5th placed visitors were always going to be difficult opposition and so it proved.
Both sides started well and carved out early opportunities but as the game settled there was no doubting the superior skills and tactics of the Gorleston midfield where Johnny Mobbs Herman Cheung skipper Kevin MacDonald and Martyn Vaudin assumed majority control backed by MOM Mark Vaudin and Andrew Lilly who imperiously snuffed out the few inroads made by the visitors forward line.
After 15 minutes Jamie Higginbotham came off the bench to replace Tom Woodrow and almost immediately he and Russ Crawford began to cause problems for the opposing defence. After wasting one good effort and then combining well with Russ to see the keeper brilliantly clear his goal-bound strike on 30 minutes Jamie finally took the lead Gorleston deserved sweeping home a shot on the reverse following good approach work by Simon Long and Andrew Lilly. And that was the way the scoreline stayed until moments before half-time when Dereham equalised with Andy Dear smashing home a short corner.
Under floodlights the second half sparked few dangers for the Gorleston defence and as the game developed it began to seem that the visitors might well hold out for a fortunate draw. At the other end first Jamie after 10 minutes shot wide then on 15 Martyn Vaudin also when well placed. On 20 minutes another fine move between Simon Long Russ Crawford and Jamie broke down and five minutes later the goal came when least expected. Following a great defensive clearance by Mark Vaudin, Russ Crawford broke away down the left wing - the Dereham keeper advanced to narrow the angle but when he miskicked the ball fell kindly for Russ who slotted it home into an unmarked net.
There was still time for Dereham to fight back but with the Gorleston defence at its best and one great save by Barney King in goal the team held out for the final whistle and fully deserved 3 points. Next week the team travel to Cromer for the game against 7th placed North Walsham 1st X1 with a 4 pm pushback. Transport leaves the Albion at 2 pm

Match Report 14/11/09: Harleston Magpies 4th XI (1-4) Gorleston (League)

With newly found confidence on the back of their previous week's victory against Bury 2nd X1 Gorleston travelled to Harleston on the 14th November determined to avenge their 2 defeats so far this season at the hands of Harleston's 3rd X1. This time the opponents were Harleston's 4th X1 who Gorleston had beaten twice last season so hopes were high for the start of a continued league run up the Division 3 NE EML table. Despite the absence of 3 regulars and early pressure from the Magpies in atrocious conditions Gorleston got off to the best possible start when after 5 minutes they were awarded a penalty for an illegal stop on the line which Jamie Clarkson coolly converted from the spot
Inspired by this Gorleston slowly gained the upper hand and with MOM Martyn Vaudin showing some great touches midfield they got the all important second goal after a further 15 minutes when Malcolm Berry (having relinquished his normal umpiring duties for this particular game) picked out Monty Raymond unmarked on the left side of the Harleston D and crossed for him to beat the keeper comprehensibly. Then shortly before half time the visitors were awarded another short corner - Jamie Clarkson's strike was well saved by the keeper but Simon Long nipped in to pick the rebound and make the score an unassailable 3 - 0 at the interval.
The weather eased in the second half and so did Gorleston but not before Simon Long had picked up his second goal - flicking in a shot from the top of the D which the keeper should have done better to save. But Harleston were not completely disheartened and fought back in the later stages to gain a consolation goal from a short corner 10 minutes from time to complete the final scoring

Match Report 07/11/09: Gorleston (6-1) Bury 2nd XI (League)

At last able to bring together their full squad except for Jamie Higginbotham Gorleston have hopefully turned the corner in the EML Division 3 North East this season with a convincing victory on Saturday against Bury's second team at Cliff Park.
Facing a young but skilful development team Gorleston used their superior speed and physical presence to establish an early command over the visitors and with Jamie Clarkson and Russ Crawford on song in attack it took only 5 minutes for Russ to break into Bury's D and beat their keeper comprehensively.
In the midfield Andrew Lilly Martyn Vaudin and MOM Richard Pallant were completely dominant and with skipper Kevin MacDonald Mark Vaudin and Johnny Mobbs mopping up any danger behind them keeper Barney King never touched the ball in the first half. The result was one-way traffic towards the Bury goal and after several close calls it was Russ again who after 22 minutes doubled the lead with another slick opportunist effort. Minutes later and it was Adam Stone who sealed victory with another fine cut across the D finished off with a blistering reverse stick shot into the side netting.
From the restart of the second half the Bury defence went to sleep following a quickly taken free hit and conceded another short corner. Although keeper Andy Longfield in the visitors goal had a splendid game and saved several other Jamie Clarkson bullets he was powerless to prevent Adam Stone from notching his second and Gorleston's fourth. Straight from the restart Bury finally made inroads into the home side's D and Will Crystal took advantage of a snapshot through Andrew Lilly's legs to beat an unsighted Barney King.
That was really as good as it got for Bury as Gorleston continued to control the game and 5 minutes later Adam Stone and Martyn Vaudin combined well for Martyn to score and restore the 4 goal advantage. As the game drew to a close Gorleston had one final card to play as Russ Crawford again nipped ahead of his marker and slotted the ball home to complete a well deserved hat-trick.
This win now sees Gorleston climb the league table to 8th position and next week they travel to Harleston to take on the Magpies 4th team with a push-back at 2.15 pm Transport leaves the Albion at 12.30 pm

Match Report 31/10/09: Pelicans 2nd XI (7-2) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston travelled to Kings Lynn on a miserable Saturday afternoon. With a depleted squad this game was always going to be tough. The start of the game Gorleston looked the better of the two teams, with several early breaks and probing runs, but with Pelicans first chance of the game, they were able to convert to give them the lead. This followed with two more unanswered goals to give Pelicans a three goal lead. Gorleston saw a glimmer of hope when they were awarded a penalty flick but Jamie Higginbotham’s effort was stopped with a good save from the Pelicans keeper getting low and across his line. Gorleston then saw another chance when play was allowed to go on after the keeper had fouled outside his area but Martyn Vaudin saw his shot creep wide of the open goal. Good work from Russ Crawford saw him slot the ball into the Pelicans goal to make the score 3-1. Pelicans were again allowed time and space to convert two more chances before the break.
Gorleston reshuffled the pack and changed formation for the start of the second half. But again from sloppy marking, allowed Pelicans to score again. Gorleston then had Andrew Lilley sent to the sin bin for persistent back chat and fouling giving Pelicans a man advantage. This did not last long though as a Pelicans player was also sin binned for a bad tackle. With both teams down to 10 men Gorleston were the better team and with quick thinking following a foul, Jamie Higginbotham was able to free Simon Long and Russ Crawford up front and Simon slotted the ball home to give Gorleston some respectability. With the clock running down Pelicans were again able to score to finish the game. Gorleston at times played some very good hockey but were undone by too much arguing between themselves and not working as a team.
Next week's visitors to Cliff Park are Bury 2nd X1 with pushback at 2.30 pm. Bury are currently lying in 4th position and Gorleston will need to start getting some points in the Division 3 NE table if they are not to stay in potential relegation trouble.

Match Report 24/10/09: Gorleston (3-6) Norwich Dragons 1st XI (League)

After last week's match cancellation against Sudbury 2 which saw Gorleston slip further down the Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Men s League table there was to be no let up in the standard of opposition as leaders Norwich Dragons 1 came to Cliff Park seeking to extend their unbeaten run.
Gorleston were without Adam Stone and Richard Pallant but welcomed new member Herman Cheung who has moved to the area from Coventry. Herman took up Adam's position in the right midfield and once he had got used to the pace of the astro made some telling interceptions and passes which should augur well for the future.
After the two weeks break Gorleston got off to the best possible start with 2 goals in the first quarter. First after 9 minutes Simon Long was on hand at the far post to sweep home a James Clarkson cross before 6 minutes later Martyn Vaudin neatly converted a short corner rebound from a Jamie Higginbotham strike. But by then Dragons had already shown their teeth with several neat moves and they suddenly moved into top gear with a 5 goal burst in 15 minutes. Led by former Gorleston player Damien Bunting who poached two goals the home defence had no answer to the visitors short corner and free hit routines around the circle as they swept into a winning position by half-time.
Gorleston to their credit never gave up and in the second half gave as good as they got. With MOM Andrew Lilly Monty Raymond and Jamie Higginbotham strengthening their control midfield and skipper Kevin MacDonald and Peter Jones making some tough challenges it needed a well worked move from Dragons to increase their tally before James Clarkson added respectability knocking home another short corner rebound before the Dragons keeper could recover.
Having not conceded so many goals in any match this season the visitors composure then slipped and it needed a yellow card for their Captain Richard Moulson and the umpires stern lecture to Damien before tempers cooled and the match wound down to its inevitable close.
With only 3 points so far this season Gorleston are now second bottom in what is undoubtedly a stronger league than last year. But their work-rate and performances overall have been good and hopefully next week's visit to Pelicans 2 will start to see them move back up the table. Push-back is at 3.00pm.and transport leaves the Albion at 12.30 pm

Match Report 10/10/09: Harleston 3rd XI (3-1) Gorleston (League)

Gorleston travelled to Harleston and with Magpies having beaten Gorleston 8-0 in an earlier friendly this game was always going to be one of the tougher games of the season. With only Mark Vaudin unavailable due to injury Gorleston otherwise had a full squad to choose from.
The game started at a frantic pace with neither side fully taking control of the ball. With both teams trying to win the midfield battle Gorleston were able to break through Jamie Clarkson and Russ Crawford and gain a short corner for the first attempt of the game but saw it break down and not amount to anything. Harleston then started to apply pressure and were a little quicker to the ball and won two short corners in succession. Barney King in goal was able to save the first but the second short corner had a well worked routine that saw him beaten at the near post with a flick. The restart saw Adam Stone able to find a way through the Harleston defence drawing a fantastic save from the keeper with his reverse shot. Gorleston then again showed too much respect allowing Harleston to dominate the 23 metre line and with a poor clearance from the Gorleston defence were able to slip past and go one on one with the keeper and lift the ball over him to give the hosts a two goal lead. Gorleston rallied and pushed on again with some neat interchanging passing from Martyn Vaudin and Simon Long were able to win another short corner. This time Gorleston made no mistake with Jamie Higginbotham drag flicking the ball past the stranded Harleston keeper to make the score 2-1 going into the half time break.
Gorleston given an inspirational team talk from Captain Kevin Mcdonald started the second half the better of the two teams with the defence able to push forward. Andrew Lilly was given licence to pick the ball out and made several key runs to give Gorleston short corners that failed to pay dividends. Johnny Mobbs showed a very disciplined role on the left of midfield. Gorleston now had the lion’s share of possession and territorial advantage but found some of the officiating a little harsh when Richard Pallant was penalised for a minor foul and Harleston were awarded a penalty stroke which they duly converted. Gorleston finished the game camped out around the Harleston area but not able to convert the half chances they managed to gain. Gorleston can take heart in their performance and if they continue to play like this should do well this season.

Match Report 03/10/09: Gorleston (9-0) Ipswich 4th XI (League)

After their humiliating defeat at Lowestoft last week Gorleston took satisfying revenge against Town's Suffolk counterparts with a comprehensive league victory over Ipswich 4 at Cliff Park Community Astro on Saturday. Welcoming back Jamie Higginbotham to action though still without Mark Vaudin following a bad football related shoulder injury Gorleston tore into the experienced Ipswich team and scored through Jamie Clarkson with their first move of the game. Five minutes later they were two up as Russ Crawford swept home an Andrew Lilly cross past a startled keeper.
Ipswich steadied briefly but with Jamie Higginbotham Andrew and Martyn Vaudin dominating the midfield and Peter Jones and skipper Kevin MacDonald mopping up anything behind them that left the forward line plenty of opportunity to foray forward which they did with increasing success. First operating on the left flank Simon Long after 19 minutes opened his account for the Club with a clinical finish before on the stroke of half -time Jamie Clarkson somewhat fortuitously struck again - his shot this time looping off a defender's stick high over the keeper and into the net.
After the break the pattern of the game continued with the Gorleston forwards prompted by MOM Richard Pallant causing havoc with his jinking runs and boundless energy. But it was Russ Crawford who scored the fifth goal with a fine individual goal before Simon Long grabbed the sixth and then his hat-trick touching in a Martyn Vaudin strike before it crossed the line. There was to be no respite for the by now shell-shocked visitors as Jamie Clarkson completed his own hat-trick on 27 minutes before Jamie Higginbotham completed the scoring two minutes later with a typically robust effort. The best performance from the team for many a day and all this with 2 players Peter Jones and Monty Raymond less than fully fit.
Nice as it to get their first 3 points of the season in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens League there is no room for complacency as Gorleston next week must travel to Weybread to take on the Harleston 3rd X1 team who humiliated them 8 - 0 in a friendly game only four weeks ago. Harleston also trounced the same Ipswich team 7 - 1 seven days ago so it would be a better sign of progress if Gorleston could come away with a point or more. Transport leaves the Albion at 12 noon for pushback at 1.45 pm.

Match Report 26/09/09: Lowestoft (2-1) Gorleston (League)

The league season in Division 3 North East of the NE14 East Mens Hockey League opened with a fast and frenetic local derby encounter which the hosts Lowestoft were lucky to win by the odd goal in three. Despite a difficult sandy astro pitch at Kirkley only laid two weeks ago the game was always going to be physical and within 5 minutes 2 players had to be sin-binned for an off the ball incident and the captains told to cool their sides down to avoid stiffer sanctions.
There was no doubt Gorleston were the better side with powerful midfield performances from Andrew Lilly, Adam Stone, Martyn Vaudin, Richard Pallant and Simon Long but Lowestoft had some energetic performers in Neil Hutson and the Veevers-Chorlton brothers who were always swift to take advantage of the occasional break or any slipshod defending. And so it proved after 15 minutes when Marcus Veevers-Chorlton nipped in the score past an unsighted Barney King, back in goal after injury.
The game continued at a furious pace with Russ Crawford and James Clarkson leading the Gorleston line and on 25 minutes they equalised when from a quickly taken push-in on the right wing James crossed for Russ to nip ahead of his marker and squeeze the ball inside the near post.
After the interval the pattern of the game continued with Gorleston pressing forward and it needed Man of the Match Justin Halliday in the Lowestoft goal to make several fine interceptions to keep them out. But predictably the hosts were always in with a chance and it was no surprise when after 15 minutes Neil Hutson matched Russ' poaching prowess to score what proved to be the winner. The game itself however was far from over and as the Lowestoft defence battened down the hatches Gorleston pushed forward with several well-worked moves - one Halliday save was particularly memorable as he stretched from nowhere to beat out a Russ Crawford equalising shot on target.
Next week Gorleston play their first league game at home their opponents being Ipswich 4th X1 with push-back at Cliff Park Community pitch 2.30 pm.

Match Report 19/09/09: Gorleston (4-3) Norwich City 3rd XI (Friendly)

Who said summer was over and hockey was a winter sport? The conditions were uncharacteristically very hot and Gorleston fielded on paper a weak side missing up to half the squad through various commitments. As a result Martyn Vaudin took over the captaincy duties and called up Stuart Sahota and Peter Jones to steady the defence, with Lester Osborn making his debut in the team and Barney King up front rather than in goal where Stuart Bail deputised. As they did twice in league encounters with relegated City 3 last season Gorleston conceded an early goal from James Hooper. This spurred the team into action and pushing forward with flowing hockey both Barney King and Lester Osborn made probing runs causing havoc for the visitors defence. But this barrage frequently left the Gorleston defence exposed and against the run of play City struck again as Charles Horn broke away to make the score 0-2 shortly before the interval
A stern half-time team-talk saw Gorleston readjust with Martyn Vaudin moving to a more forward role to apply pressure and Barney King midfield. This immediately resulted in a short corner and Peter Jones rifled the ball into the backboard of the goal leaving the goal keeper no chance. Encouraged with Andrew Lilly and Simon Long marshalling the midfield and showing supreme fitness, Gorleston strived to find the equaliser. Five minutes later Gorleston thought they had won another short corner, however, the unsighted umpire allowed play to continue which saw Charles Horn break away again to give City a lead 3-1 and give Gorleston a mountain to climb. Adam Stone then stepped up for Gorleston with a magnificent solo run and given too much time at the top of the D hit an unstoppable shot that found the roof of the net.
Gorleston continued pressure and three minutes later Lester Osborn combined well for Peter Jones to score his second goal, rounding the keeper before slotting the ball home from an acute angle. As Gorleston pressed for the winner, another short corner was won and up stepped Martyn Vaudin to score from a well worked short corner routine, which found the back of the net convincingly (4-3). Three goals in nine minutes and a shell-shocked Norwich City hardly knew what had hit them but they pressed for an equaliser and fine tackling throughout the game particularly from MOM Olly Barfield absorbed the pressure. Gorleston showed some excellent battling qualities and this will now be put to the test as the league season gets under way next week with a local derby against Lowestoft 1st X1. The game is at Kirkley High School with a late pushback at 4 pm, Transport leaves the Albion PH Gorleston at 2.30 pm

Match Report 12/09/09: Harleston 3rd XI (8-0) Gorleston (Friendly)

Continuing their pre-league season preparation Gorleston stepped up a class to take on a Harleston side strengthened by ex internationals and premier players. After holding their own for the first quarter Gorleston conceded three goals in quick succession - a short corner rebound which fell nicely for Matt Brand to convert followed by two uncharacteristic defensive slips on the water-based astro of which the home side took full advantage. Ian Cumming put the result beyond doubt shortly before the interval leading to a second half in which the tempo dropped as both sides tired in the heat and under the new rules which saw little pause in play.
For Gorleston there were strong performances by Mark Vaudin Richard Pallant and Simon Long and credit must be given to Malcolm Berry deputising in goal for the injured Barney King. But the men of the match have to be Harleston's 5 goal hero Matt Brand and John Cobbold who martialled their defence rock-like against all the visitors could throw at them.
Next week Gorleston play their last practice game before the league season starts and their opponents are Norwich City 3rd X1 at Cliff Park Community Pitch with push-back at 2.30 pm.

Match Report 05/09/09: Gorleston (6-2) Lowestoft Railway (Friendly)

Gorleston started the new season on a hot sunny day. Welcoming the new rules for the season has meant a new formation and new tactics. With several key players unavailable, injured or pulling out at the eleventh hour Gorleston only had a bare eleven players.
The game started at a high tempo with the ball going from end to end with Lowestoft getting slightly better possession for the opening minutes of the game. As the Gorleston defence settled Gorleston were able to get hold of the midfield with Gorleston's new signing Richard Pallister's terrier like performance winning the ball in key positions. It was not long before Jamie Clarkson and Simon Long were able to combine for a slick passing move down the right for Russ Crawford to slot the ball under the Lowestoft keeper to give Gorleston the lead. Gorleston now in front were able to press more and with good work from Olly Barfield and Malcolm Berry were able to win several short corners. Once Mark Vaudin had found a ball he liked, Gorleston were able to convert one with Jamie Higginbotham drag flicking into the bottom right hand corner to give Gorleston a two goal lead. Gorleston just camped outside the Lowestoft D when a melee inside the Lowestoft area saw the ball fall to birthday boy Martyn Vaudin to chip into the net. Gorleston strolled into half time with a three goal lead.
The second half was always going to be harder with the heat and with the opening minutes Gorleston's defence were caught napping when a Railway forward was fortunate to ride several challenges before converting a difficult chance to give Railway some hope. Gorleston's midfield were showing signs of tiredness from the heat and so the short sharp passing of the first half become longer and was easier to cut out, opening the game up for both sides. With the ball going from end to end without much purpose it took a moment of brilliance from Jamie Clarkson to turn Railway's Ross Trindle inside out before volleying the ball into the top left hand corner to extend Gorleston's lead. Gorleston very comfortable now allowed Railway another glimmer of hope when not fully cleaning there lines let Railway slip another goal in. With both teams looking tired Gorleston were happy to see Russ Crawford pop up again in the D and lift the ball into the side netting of the goal to make the score 5-2. Gorleston's defence now resolute not to concede any more goals saw several hard tackles from Nick Mobbs and an exceptional diving tackle from Mark Vaudin who were being marshalled by Jamie Higginbotham to hold Railway's attack at bay. With the clock running down Gorleston saw another attack down the right being converted by Russ Crawford who picked the rebound up and reverse flicked the ball into the net to make the score 6-2 for the final whistle. Gorleston can take heart that their first game of the season found them sharp and full of energy - they can only get better for the start of the League season.

Previous Seasons' Reports - go here!