Lowestoft suffer single goal defeat at East Thurrock United

This Pitching In Isthmian League North Division game was played between two fully committed sides, producing fast flowing football as it was settled by a single goal just past the hour.

Lowestoft were forced to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men after Josh Harvey was dismissed following a clash in the middle of the pitch.

With four senior players out injured – Reed, Murphy, Johnson and Eagle – and now two players suspended in Henderson and Harvey, Jamie Godbold will face team selection problems this Saturday.

Lowestoft were the first to threaten last Saturday, with Louis McIntosh nodding the ball through to Adam Hipperson whose driven cross was inches too far in front of Haylock.

Lowestoft's Adam Hipperson in action. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

The Rocks then had a spell on top, without creating any real chances but went so close to breaking the deadlock when Harry Hope’s right wing corner was hooked onto the bar by Roman Michael-Percil.

Lowestoft then asserted themselves again and Hipperson cut in from the right but his vicious drive was pushed wide by Montel Joseph.

From McIntosh’s flag kick Sam Nunn sent a full blooded header smashing against the crossbar.

Harvey was the next to threaten with his pace and trickery too much for Sam Carter who received a yellow card for cynically bringing him down.

Lowestoft's Kyle Haylock in action. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Harvey was the first to threaten in the second period when he won the ball in the centre and burst through but his 25-yard drive grazed the upright.

Hipperson was then brought to an abrupt halt by another rash tackle which saw Tom Barton cautioned.

Ironically from the free kick that followed East Thurrock broke quickly and Lowestoft were caught short at the back with Michael-Percil’s pace too much for Dylan Ruffles as he cut into the area to shoot across Luke Holt into the far corner.

Then came Harvey’s dismissal and in the melee that followed the referee brandished seven yellow cards – four to Thurrock and three to Lowestoft.

Despite being a man short Lowestoft battled away for the final 20 minutes but the nearest either side came to scoring was a looping header from Ollie Spooner which clipped the bar.

EAST THURROCK UNITED: Joseph, Boswell, Critchley, Barton (sub Skubuch 83), Steward, Hayes, Michael-Percil, Spooner, Hope (sub Peart 84), Moses, Carter. Subs (not used): Mackenzie-Vincent, McQueen, Robinson-Jones.

LOWESTOFT TOWN: Holt, Norman, Ruffles (sub Belmar 87), McIntosh, Cole, Nunn, Logan (sub Lane 87), Hinton, Haylock, Harvey, Hipperson. Subs (not used): Sherwood, Burwood.

Referee: Mr R Carter

Attendance: 229.