A Jamie Godbold goal direct from a 63rd minute corner earned the Blues a passage into the 3rd Qualifying Round of the F A Cup. Jamie Godbold and Richard Woodrow passes late fitness tests so the Blues were at full strength against their Unibond League opponents.

After early probings at each end it was Boston who started looking the more dangerous and with 13 minutes on the clock Boston’s Jamie Clarke found himself clear as the Blues defence appealed for offside but the Pilgrims striker clipped the ball over Andy Reynolds but wide of the post. Mark Newsham then went past Matthew Halliday but shot into the side netting from a narrow angle.

Lowestoft replied with Adam Smith and Matt Nolan combining to create an opening for Jamie Godbold whose shot from the edge of the area curled wide. Matt Nolan’s flick then found Jamie Godbold but Boston keeper Tom Evans palmed his shot around the post. Lowestoft were enjoying a spell on top and Andrew Fisk was just wide from the edge of the area but Craig Bussens was high and wide from another opening.

The game though had settled into a mainly midfield affair with neither keeper seriously extended. On the stroke of half time Matt Nolan was brought down just outside the area but Adam Smith’s direct free kick was easily held by Tom Evans.

Lowestoft started the second half strongly and had penalty appeals turned down as Jamie Godbold took a return pass from Adam Smith before falling under the challenge of Dan Cotton. Richard Woodrow then has a shot charged down by Tom Evans before Lowestoft scored the all important goal in the 63rd minute. Adam Smith floated a free kick into the box which Chris Wood headed over his own bar under challenge from Matt Nolan. The resultant left wing flag kick saw Jamie Godbold’s inswinger bypass everyone to nestle into the far corner of the net.

Lowestoft were buoyant then and Richard Woodrow’s 30 yard drive was saved by the diving Tom Evans who then dived bravely to claim the ball at the feet of Gary McGee following Matt Nolan’s neat footwork. Substitutes Ross King and Reece Hunn combined but the latter’s cross fell harmlessly over the bar. Another Jamie Godbold corner caused problems in the Boston defence but Matt Nolan’s volley hit the side netting.

Boston applied some late pressure but found the Lowestoft defence in uncompromising mood with Greg Crane a colossus in the centre.

Lowestoft fans had to endure a nail biting 9 minutes of ‘added time’ before the final whistle confirmed their entry into the 3rd Qualifying round. Seconds before the final whistle Boston were reduced to 10 men with James Cullingworth sent off for his second bookable offence.

Match sponsor: Mr B Blizzard MP
Match ball sponsor: Alex Warren of Drives 4 U
Man of the match: Greg Crane

Terry Lynes

Match Information

Score: Lowestoft Town - 1      Boston United - 0

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