On Saturday 14th December, Grays Athletic welcome the league leaders, Gorleston FC to the EMR stadium. Kick off is at 3.00pm. Even though the weather has improved, it's advisable to keep an eye on our socials in case there is a need for a pitch inspection on Saturday morning.

These are positive times for our visitors. Not only are they having an excellent season on the pitch, but they got the news they were hoping for in September when Great Yarmouth Borough Council approved plans for a £4m redevelopment of the Recreation Ground in Gorleston. This means that The Greens will soon be back playing football in Gorleston for the first time since 2022. They really are going back home as the Recreation Ground was the site of their first ground between 1889 and 1982. The Greens hope to be ready to play at the new ground in August next year. Until then, they continue to share Great Yarmouth FC's Wellesley Road stadium and we are due to visit them on 23rd January.

Many congratulations to all at Gorleston FC on this fantastic news.

Last Season's Games v Gorleston

Both sides enjoyed home victories, with The Blues winning at the EMR before The Greens gained revenge at Wellesley Road. The game at Tilbury, saw 3 goals and both sides down to 10 men. Sam Wade opened the scoring for Blues, before Joe Marsden had a rush of blood and was shown a straight red card. It was 10 v 10 before half time as Macca Joynes was shown what appeared to be a harsh second yellow. Grays doubled their lead in the second half through Sam Wade's second, before Cameron Beazer scored what turned out to be a consolation goal.

The return game was the final match of the season with Gorleston needing a win to have a chance of making the play-offs. A good counter attack finished by Spencer Keller gave them a perfect start, but Grays came back with Myles Anderson heading home. The second half was in the balance until Adam Tann in his last game for The Greens got a touch to a long throw that was not dealt with effectively. From there on there was only one winner and Gorleston sealed victory when a superb first time pass from Joe Marsden opened up The Blues defence allowing Luke Johnson a chance which he took well. Although they got the win they needed, it was heartbreak for The Greens as they were edged out of the play-offs by Redbridge's 95th minute goal against Concord Rangers.

The Head to Head record since Gorleston were promoted to Isthmian North stands at P8 W4 D1 L3 GF11 GA9.

In The Dugout

Gorleston are managed by Darren Cockrill who was appointed manager in October 2022 after a short spell as assistant to Scott Butler. Darren is assisted by Ollie Willis and Steve Bramble. Together they have been in charge for over 200 games with a very impressive win rate of just over 50%. They established the club at Step 4 in their first season, with a 13th place finish and have improved on that year on year, finishing 10th, then 8th, before last season's 6th place.

New Signings

One of the keys to Gorleston's success is consistency. If you look back to our game at the end of last season, 8 of their starting XI, also started in their most recent fixture against Hashtag. A 9th player was on the bench and a 10th was unavailable due to suspension. Compare that to Grays; only 3 of our players who started last season's finale, are still at the club.

In the close season Gorleston did lose a couple of experienced players in Adam Tann and Rossi Jarvis, but brought in several new faces, mainly from their neighbours, Lowestoft Town. Aaron Bullent was top scorer for The Trawlerboys last season and moved up the coast along with Kyle Haylock and former Lowestoft skipper, Travis Cole. Since the start of the season another ex Trawlerboy has joined the Greens in Mitch Belmar. Recently, they brought in Josh Hazell from Wroxham.

Early Season

Gorleston come to us in pole position having won 34 points from 16 games played. They remain unbeaten in 9 away league games with 5 wins and 4 draws.

In the FA Cup they beat Mildenhall Town 6-1, before a stand out win 4-1 at last season's Southern League Central Champions, Leighton Town. They were then beaten in the 2nd Qualifying Round, 3-4 at home by Bury Town.

The FA Trophy saw a 3-0 away win at Stotfold before a loss by 2-5 at Newmarket Town, which included a goal for their keeper, Antoni Bort, a long clearance from his own area which embarrassed his Newmarket counterpart.

They are not participating in the Velocity Cup but have started their campaign for in the Norfolk Senior Cup, by beating Diss Town in the 4th round. They play away at Mulbarton Wanderers in the Quarter Final on 8th December. Gorleston have won the Senior Cup 18 times, just two behind the record holders, Kings Lynn Town.

Top Scorers

Aaron Bullent has scored 9 times (8 in ILN), Luke Johnson has 8 (7), Ryan Curtis 7 (4) and Joe Marsden 6 (4).

Last Time Out

Gorleston won an important battle, beating fellow high-flyers, Hashtag United, 2-0 at Wellesley Road. Joe Jefford got the opener, before half time, with Aaron Bullent securing the points late on.

Grays picked up a useful point at Mulbarton Wanderers. A disappointing first half saw the Norfolk side deservedly take the lead through Charlie Barber. Mulbarton were awarded as soft a penalty as you will see all season, but Owen Lane did the decent thing and missed the kick. Blues were a different proposition in the second half and Jordan Clarke equalised. Any hope of a win was extinguished when Freddie Price was shown a second yellow card; another contentious decision which did not go our way.

Our midweek Velocity Cup tie at home to Newmarket Town was postponed again, after heavy rain and we have now been advised that the tie must be played next Tuesday at Newmarket on their 3G surface. As a result, our home league fixture with Witham Town will be postponed to a later date.

Summary

This should be a cracking game, with Gorleston top of the league and looking to extend their advantage over a closely bunched chasing pack. Grays need to keep picking up points to climb the table. Midweek, Fakenham Town showed their improvement in a 3-3 draw at Wroxham. Had Wroxham not equalised late on Fakenham would have got the win to lift themselves above us in the table.

Come on down to the EMR stadium and support your local team as we look for a crucial win. Your backing can make all the difference!

Up The Ath!