Hadleigh United FC – Latest report from goalkeeper Dan Heath

Hadleigh United's new star goalkeeper Dan Heath guest writes for Hadleigh People. Enjoy!

Gorleston 2 – 3 Hadleigh United

Ridgeons Premier League

Sat 29th October 2011

Great performance and a great win for us, making the long journey to the seaside well worth while!

If people are confused as to who I am I would totally understand.  I'm not from Hadleigh, I'm not from Ipswich and I'm not even from Suffolk.  I live in Fulbourn in Cambridge, but when I was offered the chance to sign for Hadleigh I didn't think twice. 

My season in 2010/2011 had been wrecked by two serious injuries, however one game I was luckily enough to play in was against Hadleigh at Millfield. 

I was very impressed by everything about the club and had hoped to play at club again.  My preseason was spent trialling with Histon however in a freak accident I fractured my 5th metatarsal, ending any chance I had of securing a sustainable professional contract. I had always kept in contact with Crawfy (Stuart Crawford) and when he offered me chance to play 1st team football just as I returned to full fitness I jumped at the chance. 

I am very grateful for this opportunity and so far it has been fantastic. All the lads have been quality and I really feel we are building towards a brilliant team.  Our team spirit is fantastic, one of the best I ever been part of and I'm sure that will continue.

Saturday's game was our second trip to the coast in a week.  Previously we had beaten Great Yarmouth 3-1 which for us was a much needed win.  During the week we had hosted Brantham Athletic in the League Cup, who we had beaten 2-1.  So coming off the back of two good wins we felt comfortable travelling to Gorleston.  Gorleston were always going to be tough opposition as they had only lost two league games all season! 

The ground at Gorleston is fantastic as is the pitch, and it encourages you to play good football.  Unfortunately for us we started very slowly and 1-0 down.  However we kept battling and trying to play we got our full rewards when Ollie Canfer headed us level from a corner. 

We started to put our stamp on the game and we went into the lead when Stuart Jopling headed into the net from one yard out, after the goalkeeper had fumbled a straight forward catch.  Jops getting his just reward for continuously following up any stray cross or shot. 

We then started to play some really good football and probably should have gone 3-1 up however it wasn't to be and as is the way in football, we were pegged back 2-2.  A long ball from Gorlestons GK put us under pressure which we failed to deal with and after some neat play they had equalised with a tidy finish.

We went in at half time disappointed to be level, but positive as we felt very much in the game.  We started the second half strongly with Jops unlucky not to score after his header hit the bar. 

Kris Rose recovered well to block an advancing Gorleston striker as the game opened up.  We were defending really well, dealing particularly well with the constant pressure from crosses from wide positions. 

With twenty minutes to go we scored our third and the games final goal.  Chris McLaughlin fired home beaten the Gorleston keeper at his near post.  Macca has made a huge difference for us since over the last three games and the goal was the least he deserved for his efforts.

 As expected Gorleston threw a lot of pressure our way but as a unit we stood strong and dealt with everything superbly well.  At the other end we looked incredibly dangerous on the counter attack. 

Remi Garret and Ollie Canfer were very unlucky to not put the game out of reach.  The final whistle blew and we took all three points.  The dressing room is a good place to be and even better after a hard earned away win. 

Tomorrow we entertain Walsham Le Willows followed by Wivenhoe away, two games I believe we should be looking for maximum points from.  All your support is very much appreciated and please get down to Millfield Tomorrow (3pm KO).

For the latest updates on the club please visit www.hadleigh-utd.co.uk or follow me on Twitter @Danheath2011