Town Finally Ease Past Stubborn Leiston
Harleston continued their impressive form with a 4-1 home victory in front of another big crowd at the Recreation ground, against a stubborn Leiston side. Manager Adam Gusterson made only one change from the team that completely dismantled local rivals Mulbarton on Tuesday evening, with young Brandon Ling taking over in goal, resting the injured Nathan Pauling.
Town started very slowly and promptly paid the price against their well organised visitors. Young keeper, Ling, could only palm a long range effort to the feet of the alert Leiston forward, who slotted home to give the visitors a well deserved lead after 7 minutes.
Leiston came very close to doubling their lead on 12 minutes, with Harleston allowing the Leiston centre back time and space to ease into shooting range only to see his shot clip the top off the bar. This seemed to spark Town into life after harsh words from Town Manager, Adam Gusterson.
Towns equaliser came on 21 minutes, Nathan Page collected the ball 25 yards out and after a brilliant decoy run from right back Anema, Page slid the ball into Stone who played the ball back into Page for him to expertly slot home. Harleston then started to dominate, with the hugely impressive Borrer and Page starting to control midfield.
On 40 minutes, Town came very close to taking the lead with a brilliant overhead kick from Baker. And Town’s pressure paid off, the resulting corner saw Roberts play the ball short to Delaney, who’s low shot was deflected into the net by Sam Borrer to send the home team in 2-1 up at the break.
The second half started with the injured Scott Roberts being replaced by the always dangerous, Camish. Danny once again, as in previous substitute appearances, provided pace and power that the visitors could not deal with.
On 58 minutes, Camish broke the offside trap and with great skill found Delaney, who gleefully slotted the ball home from close range. Towns grip on the game was tow total and with Borrer and Page once again dominating it seemed only a matter of time before more goals would follow.
The 4th goal did not arrive until the 88th minute, when once again Camish broke the offside trap and showing great tenacity laid the ball on a plate for sub Nicky Howell to steer in his first of the season.
First team coach Olly Willis was delighted by the overall performance off the team “ The boys started very slowly but after the exertions of Tuesday night and the fact Leiston were so well organised we are delighted by the final score”.
Saint-Gobain MOM - Nathan Page
Goals - Page (21), Borrer (40), Delaney (58) & Howell (88)