This Wednesday evening, Grays Athletic make the long midweek journey to Great Yarmouth, the current groundshare home of Gorleston FC, putting their five game winning streak on the line.

This is Gorleston’s third season playing at Step 4. They have clearly adjusted well to the higher level having secured comfortable mid-table finishes in their two campaigns. In the first season Grays completed the double, but last year, the two clubs traded away wins, each side recording a 2-0 away victory at the other’s venue.

This season, Gorleston again currently sit in a relatively secure 13th place in the table with six wins and a draw to their name (split evenly, three wins at home and three away). Last Saturday, they put up a good fight against divisional leaders Bury Town, losing by two first half goals. But undoubtedly, Gorleston’s highlight of 2024 has been their FA Cup run, which took them to the fourth qualifying round. Wins against Hadleigh Utd, Mulbarton Wanderers, Barking and Walthamstow then led a 3rd qualifying round tie against Conference South side, St Albans City, who were brushed aside 4-2 in one of the results of the round. The great run was only ended by a late goal 1-0 defeat away at Horsham Town.

Conversely, the other cup competitions have been less kind to Gorleston this season, with early exits in both the FA Trophy and county cup.

This fixture pits two sides against each other both in decent form. Gorleston are currently seventh in the current form table, whilst Grays as we know are on a fine run with five consecutive league victories, which have propelled them into a play-off berth, at this early stage of the season. Mix in the floodlights and potentially some proper winter weather and this game could be a challenge for both sides.

Travelling Blues fans should note that Gorleston currently play at Great Yarmouth FC, their home for the “foreseeable future” whilst a proper home ground is sorted out, following disagreements about the siting of a social club and a serious arson attack.

The ground is at the Wellesley Stadium, Sandown Rd, Great Yarmouth NR30 1EY

Come on you Blues !