Lowestoft Town win thriller against Great Wakering Rovers

Captain Travis Cole celebrated his 200th appearance for Lowestoft Town by scoring the goal that kick-started a dramatic comeback from 3-1 down. 

Lowestoft skipper Travis Cole scores. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

The Trawlerboys started this Pitching In Isthmian League North Division game brightly with some slick, flowing football.

Rovers' young keeper Harry Fairs had already denied Lowestoft with excellent saves from Robert Eagle and Dave Hinton, before they took the lead in the 15th minute.

Owen Murphy was brought down by Danny Cossington in the area and Chris Henderson struck home the resultant penalty.

Lowestoft's Chris Henderson in action. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Great Wakering stunned Lowestoft by levelling the scores in the 25th minute with their first real foray into the Lowestoft half.

Cossington atoned for his earlier error by shooting past Luke Holt after finding himself clear of the home defence.

The visitors then moved ahead as Billy Johnson - who looked to be in an offside position - ran through to finish past Holt. 

Lowestoft's Dylan Ruffles in action. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

McIntosh was again the instigator as his free kick fell to Kyle Haylock who made no mistake from 10 yards.

Lowestoft needed an early second-half goal to get back into the game - and it duly arrived six minutes after the restart.

Louis McIntosh’s corner from the left caused confusion in the visitors' defence, allowing Cole to hammer the ball home from close range.

Charlie Norman, Josh Harvey and Kyle Haylock celebrate. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

A buoyant Lowestoft searched for an equaliser and it was no surprise when it arrived just after the hour mark. 

McIntosh was again the instigator as his free kick fell to Kyle Haylock who made no mistake from 10 yards.

Lowestoft were in rampant mood now and, just a minute later, good play by Charlie Norman and Haylock created an opening for Josh Harvey to tap into an unguarded net.

Lowestoft's Josh Harvey fires home. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

And just two minutes later it was five as Harvey netted his second from 20 yards.

However, Great Wakering would not capitulate and pulled a goal back in the 77th minute when hesitancy in the Town defence allowed Rob Lacey to nod the ball over a stranded Holt.

Lowestoft's Josh Harvey celebrates. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

That left Lowestoft with an anxious last 13 minutes, but they ultimately claimed all three points. 

LOWESTOFT TOWN: Holt, Norman (sub Lane 90), Murphy, McIntosh, Cole, Ruffles, Haylock, Hinton, Harvey, Henderson, Eagle (sub Belmar 74). Subs (not used): Sherwood, Burwood.

GREAT WAKERING ROVERS: Fairs, Stringer, Rose, Cossington, Dunn, Fisher, Newton (sub Babalola 85), Lacey, Okoh, Johnson, Thompson. Subs (not used): Matthews, Adedoja, Campbell, Kwiek.

REFEREE: Mr A Tyne

ATTENDANCE: 378