In the shadow of the giant arch of Wembley, Lowestoft Town were knocked out of the F A Carlsberg Trophy by hosts Hendon but the result may have been a lot different if they had converted some of the many chances hey created.

Both sides were prepared to attack at every opportunity in an exciting open contest. The first effort of note came from Matt Nolan after good approach work from Andrew Fisk and Gary McGee but the striker’s shot was deflected wide. Missed opportunities were to become a feature of the game and Hendon were guilty of the first as a slip by Matthew Halliday saw Hendon striker Peter Dean clear but he shot tamely straight at Andy Reynolds.

Andy Reynolds’ long clearance fell to Gary McGee who hooked the ball across the face of the goal but wide of the far post. Matthew Halliday’s excellent forward pass released Matt Nolan who raced clear but from the edge of the area his shot beat keeper Berkley Laurencin but crashed against the post and bounce clear.

Hendon had strong penalty appeals turned down as Peter Dean’s quickly taken free kick picked out Lubo Guentchev who appeared to be pushed to the ground by Andy Reynolds. Craig Bussens cross was met by Matt Nolan who brought a diving save from Berkley Laurencin. Adam Smith then crossed for Craig Bussens to send a header inches over the bar as Lowestoft finished the first half on top.

The second half continued in a similar vein with Lowestoft taking the game to Hendon. Neil Plaskett’s long throw was touched on by Gary McGee to Ross King who shot was blocked. Matt Nolan set up Gary McGee but his shot on the turn was wide. Greg Crane joined the attack and tried his luck from 30 yards but again just off target. Jamie Godbold was the next to fail to hit the target as he was set up by Matt Nolan’s knock down from Neil Plaskett’s throw.

Failure to take their chances proved costly for Lowestoft as Hendon made a double substitution which turned the game in their favour. Peter Dean raced clear but shot wildly over the bar and substitute Wayne O’Sullivan grazed the crossbar with a header before Hendon broke the deadlock in the 76th minute. A high bounce saw the ball sail over Adam Smith to allow Lubo Guentchev a clear shot at goal which he promptly dispatched into the roof of the net.

As Lowestoft looked to get back into the game Hendon were able to exploit gaps at the back and added a second goal 7 minutes from time. Lubo Guentchev’s shot was parried by Andy Reynolds, Wayne O’Sullivans’ follow up hit the post but Dave Diedhiou squeezed the ball into the net from close range. It might have been worse for the Blues as Wayne O’Sullivan brought out a superb save from Andy Reynolds in the dying minutes.

Terry Lynes

Match Information

Score: Hendon - 2      Lowestoft Town - 0

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