Jammers take control

Finally Gorleston got to host Maldon and Tiptree in a match vital for the promotion hopes of both sides- and it was the travelling Jammers who took the points, boosting their title chances in the process.

Maldon made the trip to face the Greens for the umpteenth time this season hoping that, on this occasion, the weather wouldn’t get in the way- and they didn’t make heavy weather of imposing their dominance in the first half. Dylan Williams put them ahead after only nine minutes, volleying home after a long throw, and the lead was doubled twelve minutes later, Ross Wall also capitalising on a long throw. 

It wasn’t all one way traffic- Gorleston had hit the bar in between Maldon goals- but it was the Jammers who had most of the remaining chances of the half, and arguably should have increased their lead. However they didn’t, and the Greens were back in the match twelve minutes into the second half, Ryan Curtis ensuring that the third goal of the night also came after a- you guessed it- long throw!

Seventeen minutes from time the hosts chances were depleted by a red card for Dion Frary, and ten minutes after that the visitors nerves were finally settled, Freddie Sears volleying home, for once without a throw in being involved.

By a quirk of fate sides meet again in Essex on Saturday, the Jammers knowing that three more points will probably be enough to secure the title, given their goal difference is sixteen better than that of second place Felixstowe and Walton United. The Seasiders travel to Concord Rangers and then finish their campaign at home to Mildenhall Town, whilst Maldon’s final Saturday will be spent in East London, as they take on Walthamstow. 

Gorleston remain outside the top five on goal difference.