Gorleston Hockey Club

Albion sponsored Gorleston HC made the short trip to face EML neighbours and close friends Lowestoft Railway HC in a post Christmas friendly. An engaging game for both sides, and a good opportunity to dust off sticks that had not seen the light of day for almost a month.

After the game settled, Gorleston took the lead when Simon Harris held onto the ball for an age around the Railway circle before picking out a pass to Simon Long who had ghosted in at the back post. Shortly afterwards, Harris got on the score-sheet himself to give the visitors a two goal lead.

Railway stormed back into the game when a cross from their left wing was cracked across the Gorleston circle and skilfully deflected past Barnaby King. Shortly before half time, Railway levelled the game. This time a cross from the right wing was watched by a host of Gorleston players before reaching a Railway stick at the back post and the half time score was 2-2.

Railway started the second half with great belief and their high tempo game saw them take a two-goal lead in a one-minute spell. Gorleston were guilty of sloppy passing and ball control, gifting the ball to Railway one two occasions and on each of these, Railway used their great speed to leave Gorleston players standing and score with relative ease.

As the half wore on though Gorleston started to take more control and levelled the game in the last ten minutes, with Simon Long reaching his hat-trick.

So honours even in a local derby for the second time this season. Both Clubs now look forward to the second half of their respective league seasons, with Railway well placed in EML Division 3 and Gorleston desperate to pick up points from those teams sharing the lower reaches of EML Division 2 North.