Lowestoft Town emphasised the difference between the Ryman’s League and Ridgeons League with a comprehensive victory over Dereham Town to reach the 2nd Qualifying Round.

Lowestoft set a blistering pace from the start and a first minute free kick from Adam Smith bouncing just wide of the far post. A Jamie Godbold corner reached Matt Halliday whose goal bound header was cleared off the line. Richard Woodrow then saw his header from Reece Hunn’s cross held by keeper John Higgs.

Totally against the run of play Dereham took the lead with their first attack in the 11th minute. The ball was played in from the right and when Adam Gusterson’s shot was blocked the Blues failed to clear and Danny Beaumont pounced to score.

Lowestoft continued to dominate and Matt Nolan’s cross was taken off the head of Gary McGee by John Higgs. Lowestoft lost the influential Jamie Godbold with an ankle injury after 19 minutes but substitute Craig Bussens would prove to be a constant thorn in the Dereham defence.

Lowestoft’s pressure finally paid off in the 29th minute. Neil Plaskett sent Craig Bussens away down the right and from his cross Reece Hunn stuck out a boot to clip the ball over John Higgs into the net. Gary McGee saw his drive clip the top of the bar and an excellent Matt Nolan pass sent Richard Woodrow clear but John Higgs again blocked. The half ended with a Matt Nolan drive flashing into the side netting.

The second half continued in the same vein with Lowestoft dominating possession. Gary McGee was inches wide from a Craig Bussens cross before Lowestoft deservedly moved ahead in the 58th minute. Craig Bussens was brought down outside the area and Adam Smith found the back of the net with his direct free kick.

A rare Dereham counter saw Jay Eastoe-Smith just clear the bar but it was soon back to the walls for the visitors. Adam Smith’s free kick was met by the head of Matt Halliday but cleared the bar. Matt Nolan then set up Gary McGee whose shot was held by John Higgs. Lowestoft were passing the ball round well and denied the visitors a touch in a move that ended with Craig Bussens cross being played onto the roof of the net by Gary McGee.

Lowestoft were not to be denied a third goal which came in the 70th minute. Matt Nolan’s close control created an opening for Reece Hunn to take the ball to the byeline where he pulled it back for Gary McGee to slam home. Scott Mitchell came off the bench and his excellent cross was scrambled behind for a corner. Another Craig Bussen sortie down the right saw the ball knocked just wide by Gary McGee.

Matt Nolan thought he had scored his first goal fro the club but his volley was disallowed for offside and moments later he saw another effort bounce down off the underside of the bar and out.

Man of the Match: Andrew Fisk
Terry Lynes

Match Information

Score: Lowestoft Town - 3      Dereham Town - 1

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