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At 3.00 pm Saturday another Ridgeons League season kicks off and for Lowestoft Town it means renewing acquaintance with Ely City. The Robins finished runners up in the First Division last season to gain promotion back to the top flight. Ely have gained the reputation of being the Ridgeons League yo-yo side as they constantly find themselves flitting from division to division. However newly promoted sides usually bring the enthusiasm from the previous season’s success into their opening games of the new season and are bound to prove to be difficult opponents.
So for Micky Chapman and Ady Gallagher the trials and permutations must come to an end as they look to select their strongest side available and start the new season proper with an opening day victory.
Tuesday evening then brings the usual early season clash with Wroxham. The Yachtsmen visit the Crown Meadow with the usual 7.45 kick off and are always highly competitive opponents.
Last Saturday two minutes of madness cost the Blues victory away to Ipswich Wanderers. A competent display had seen the Blues in control and moving ahead with a Richard Woodrow penalty after Jamie Godbold had been brought down in the 62nd minute. 6 minutes later, whilst the Blues were temporarily down to 10 men with central defender Jon Lovelock being treated, the gap left was exploited as Morgan was left unmarked to head home. Within 2 minutes Andy Reynolds attempted clearance was charged down to allow Layne to net the winner from a narrow angle. 17 year old Youth team defender Jon Lovelock had an excellent game in his first start in a first team shirt.
On Tuesday evening a stronger squad was available for the final friendly against Hempnall. Both sides hit the woodwork before Jamie Godbold opened the scoring a couple of minutes before the break but Hempnall hit back to level the score within a minute. Superior fitness in the second period saw the Blues add 4 further goals without reply through Gary McGee, Richard Woodrow (penalty), Reece Hunn and Carl Poppy.
The Reserves opened their pre-season preparations with a well earned 2-0 victory over Beccles Town. Both goals came in the second period through Scott Martin and Gary Williams.
The new Youth team squad also had their first pre-season outing on Sunday and were held to a 2-2 draw by Oxford Arms. The Town goals came from Christy Finch and an own goal. This was followed by a 2-0 victory over Waveney on Wednesday evening. Andy Stacey opened the scoring after just 21 seconds with Jon Lovelock heading home the second in the second period.
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