Gorleston victory closes gap at top of Premier Division table

Gorleston closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table with their third win on the bounce.

The Greens made hard work of their 2-1 win at struggling FC Clacton, but that win, coupled with a surprise 1-1 home draw for leaders Hadleigh at home to Newmarket, means the Greens are nine points behind, but with two games in hand.

Gorleston went ahead just before half-time when Christy Finch fired home from the edge of the area and two minutes into the second half Nathan Stone headed in David Hinton's free-kick to double the advantage, before the home side pulled one back just after the hour mark.

'It was a good win,' said Greens boss Stewart Larter. 'Tough conditions and had to dig deep, but a win's a win.'

Norwich United had a good win 1-0 over Brantham Athletic with a goal from Paul Cook – on his debut following his move last week from neighbours Wroxham – who forced home from a ball in from Adam Bennett. The Planters are sixth in the table.

Two goals in the second half were enough to deny Kirkley & Pakefield a point at home to Godmanchester Rovers.

Despite a dominant first half from the Royals, which saw Ricci Butler fire an air shot within the opening minute and Matthew Brown arrow a curling effort just over the top corner, the visitors took the lead just 46 seconds into the second half.

Joe Furness' corner - conceded after a poor clearance from Chris Bond – fell kindly to Charlie Bowen who flicked his header home from six yards.

Godmanchester doubled their lead midway through the second half as Jamie Godbold's side were punished for another lapse of concentration.

Furness's long ball forward caused confusion between Scott Manning and goalkeeper Hayden Rogers, who left the ball to each other, and bounced through to James Hall to roll into an empty net.

Diss Town were thumped 4-0 at Mildenhall, while Thetford Town went down 3-2 at home to Ely City.