Gorleston Rangers FC

Gorleston Rangers Under13a won the SCI under 13 tournament on a very windy Mill Lane. With four games each day, we played the other four teams twice and deservedly topped the league, being the only undefeated team in the competition.

On the Saturday we started slowly drawing with a good Sandgate FC 1-1, (George). We missed many chances in this game, with the Sandgate FC assistant referee flagging for many offsides. We played a good Norwich United and ran out 2-0 winners, (George and Adam), Our third game was against unbeaten Blaby & Whetstone. This was our best performance of the day with George scoring a great left foot strike from twenty yards after a great defence splitting pass from Jack. In our final game on day one we defeated a sporting Ickenham Youth 5-2, (Isaac (3), George and Jordan after a mazy run).

Second day we played much better and opened up defeating Sandgate FC 3-1, (George, Isaac and Jordan). We followed this up with another 2-0 victory over a good Norwich United in a tight game, (Adam and George). Game three was very entertaining against a Blaby & Whetstone which ended up 1-1, (Charlie). This was a game that will remain long in the memories of those present. The boys turned in a very disciplined performance in this one and were very unfortunaste not to win.

Our last game resulted in a 1-0, (George), win over a much improved Ickenham Youth.

The huge winners cup and individual trophies were presented to the boys by big celebrity Neil 'Razor' Ruddock,

Congratulations to the boys on winning the N&SYL division 1 title for the fourth consecutive year with three games remaining. We defeated Kirkley & Pakefield 'A' at Walmer Road 8 - 1 to secure the title. Not our most fluent performance of the season, as Kirkley & Pakefield 'A' worked hard throughout to make it difficult for us. Goalscorers: Sam (2), Adam (2), Charlie (2), Jordan and George MOM: Jordan. Training as usual this Saturday morning 9-30 to 11am at Wroughton.

Special thanks to our sponsors JAG Carpentry Limited, Cedars Steeplejacks and Glenfield.

Match report by "mitchel98"

This weekend we had a morning kick off of 10.30am to an improving Breydon United (formerly Gorleston) at their home ground on The Mag (unfortunately not everyone realised it was there and not The Rec!) and otherwise known as a LOCAL DERBY!

Anyway most of the 13 man team start to arrive around 9.45am, and I was lucky enough to have a little chat with Fabio in the car park before the game, who was again toady co-ordinated with the boys kit - Red hat and socks!. The conversation flowed about today’s game, mobile phones and how much beer we drank last night! But I did bring up the conversation about his clipboard and I can quote “I don’t need it now I know what I am doing - well sort off!”  So there you have it Rangers please be re-assured Fabio knows what he is doing and the children are being well trained and looked after - well sort off!

Back to the pre-match build up, boys gather for the all to well known warm up, Fabio then goes for the clipboard (obviously not totally confident without it hey!?) to write down the team but what’s this………….. A green clipboard? But we are in our familiar AC Milan away kit where is the red clipboard….stop the press we have it but sorry to say had to use a GREEN pen…Mrs Fabio where are the RED pens?!?!? Just as he starts writing the formation and team out we have a pre-match injury……Mitch pulls up with a sprained/twisted knee - off to physio tomorrow….been thinking about this! since you have had your hair cut shorter it seems as though you have lost your strength…..a little like Sampson did…cold last week injured knee this week  !…..but get better soon!

Match report by Martin Lovell

Norfolk Girls League Under 11
Saturday 29th January

Sprowston 6v1 Gorleston Rangers

 

Defending champions faced a difficult trip to champions elect Sprowston.  The home side were in good form after an excellent home win against second placed Cromer.  On a bitterly cold day and a pitch slightly frozen in places, Rangers could only field 7 girls.  

It was a scrappy start and the cold conditions took their toll, when a key Sprowston player had to leave the field after only 5 minutes with a foot problem.  It didn’t stop the home side from taking the lead.  Inspired by a fine keeper, Rangers were holding their own, but were hit by a huge blow midway through the half, when they lost a player due to injury.  Down to 6 players and Sprowston made it 2-0 before the break. 

The injured player returned for the second half, but was struggling.  Sprowston made it 3-0 right at the start with a superb goal.  Their right winger found the ball in space and her first time cross was volleyed home for a wonderful goal, that was sportingly applauded by the visiting supporters.  

It was a big blow, but the Rangers girls didn’t give up and fought back strongly.  A surging run down the middle resulted it a long range shot, saw the keeper fumble the ball, where a waiting forward tucked the rebound home.  

3-1 and Rangers showed why they were champions with some lovely flowing football. The home keeper made a series of good stops, to keep the home side in front.  But the numbers game was to tell as Rangers started to tire.  3 late goals by the rampant Sprowston team sealed a flattering 6-1 victory. 

On and off the field, Gorleston Rangers impressed with their good conduct, which was appreciated by the home side.