Lowestoft Town produced a performance full of character and determination to come from behind to defeat Sutton Coldfield Town and progress into the final qualifying round of the F A Cup. With injury ruling our Scott Mitchell and Dale Cockrill, Gary Holt and Craig Bussens came into the starting line up. Ross King was fit again after injury to take a place on the bench and young Chris Bond was included in the squad for the first time.

The opening half was a continuation of the first game with both defences dominant. Adam Smith and Jamie Godbold combined to create a half chance for Matt Nolan who blazed high over the bar. Jamille Matt reached the byeline for Sutton but Andy Reynolds dived across to cut out his pull back. A Gary McGee header went straight to keeper Tony Breedon and at the other end a dangerous run by Matt Dodd ended with him shooting tamely at Reynolds.

Sutton took the lead in the 42nd minute with a Nathan Moran throw in touched on by Matt to Junior Brown whose shot from the edge of the area took a deflection of Matt Halliday to curl into the bottom corner of the net.

Lowestoft came out for the second half with Ross King replacing Gary Holt and looked much more purposeful going forward. Craig Bussens was brought down just outside the area but Adam Smith’s free kick was inches off target. A quick counter saw Dodd racing clear for Sutton but Smith recovered to produce an excellent saving tackle.

Darren Cockrill replaced the tiring McGee on the hour mark and his extra strength up front was immediately apparent. Lowestoft’s increasing pressure paid off in the 65th minute with an equalising goal. Andy Reynolds long free kick saw Sutton defender Booth head the ball down to Nolan who gleefully volleyed home from 12 yards.

A now rampant Blues pressed for the winning goal which came with 11 minutes left to play. Jamie Godbold was fouled out wide left and although Smith’s free kick was header clear by Male, Andrew Fisk hooked the ball back into the penalty area for Nolan to drill the ball into the net.

In the closing stages Sutton looked for a way back into the contest but the Blues dominant back four was not unduly troubled and the magnificent 50 or so travelling Trawlerboys were in full voice as the final whistle sounded.

Man of the match: Matt Nolan

Terry Lynes

Match Information

Score: Sutton Coldfield Town - 1      Lowestoft Town - 2

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