Lowestoft and Heybridge draw as points shared in even contest

Although this was a top four clash in the Pitching In Isthmian League North Division,  the two teams came into this game in vastly contrasting form.

Whilst Lowestoft were on a three game losing run the Swifts were on the end of five consecutive victories.

Lowestoft were able to include Jake Reed, Owen Murphy and Sam Johnson after injury but were without the suspended Henderson and Harvey.

The game started in a frenzy of activity with a second minute Travis Cole header grasped by keeper Callum Chafer as it appeared to be going over the line.

Lowestoft captain Travis Cole heads towards goal (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Play switched to the other end where Ben Sartain saw his rising drive clear the bar.

A similar effort from Louis McIntosh also cleared the bar but the best chance so far fell to Heybridge when Andrew Fennell found Kieran Jones unmarked 10 yards from goal but Luke Holt produced a miraculous save to protect his goal.

Lowestoft had held a slight edge at this stage and took the lead after 38 minutes.

David Hinton and McIntosh combined to play Reed through who nonchalantly curled the ball around Chafer into the corner of the net.

Lowestoft players celebrating Jake Reed's goal. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Lowestoft had a great chance to increase their lead minutes after the break with Adam Hipperson sending Reed clear but his shot grazed the bar.

Heybridge then had a spell on top but The Trawlerboys defence were coping well.

However Swifts levelled the scores in the 64th minute as Rob Harvey broke through the centre of the defence to race through and slide the ball past Holt.

An intriguing game then saw play swing from end to end but Lowestoft survived a scare as the ball was played over Holt but Johnson was able to get back and hook it away from off the line.

The game swung Lowestoft’s way nine minutes from time with Heybridge reduced to 10 men.

As Kyle Haylock raced clear onto Reed’s pass he was brought down by Louie Arrowsmith, who received a straight red card.

With a man advantage, Lowestoft pressed for a winner but Heybridge were able to stand firm with the draw a fair result after an evenly balanced contest.

LOWESTOFT TOWN: Holt, Ruffles, Johnson (sub Eagle 89), Hinton (sub Lane 41), Cole, Nunn, Haylock, McIntosh, Reed, Murphy (sub Logan 90), Hipperson. Subs (not used): Norman, Burwood.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS: Chafer, Brampton, Arrowsmith, Noble, Phillips, Gordon, Fennell, Sartain, Henry, Jones (sub Adlington-Pile 84), Harvey. Subs (not used): Taylor, Whitney, Carter, N’Daw.

Referee: Mr B Green

Attendance: 344