Making their debut in the Championship Manager Cup (Ryman League Cup) Lowestoft had to come from behind before progressing into the 3rd round. With Gary Holt still suffering from a heavy cold the Blues reverted to the 4 4 2 system with Gary McGee returning to the starting line up to partner Matt Nolan.

Lowestoft were the first to threaten when from a Jamie Godbold corner Matt Nolans header came back out off the crossbar. With Lowestoft beginning to control possession it was against the run of play when Ilford moved ahead in the 27th minute. There seemed little danger as the ball was played forward but the Lowestoft defence hesitated and allowed Anton Dwyer to run through and shoot past Andy Reynolds before celebrating with a spectacular back flip.

Lowestoft were behind for only 8 minutes before forcing the equaliser. Scott Mitchell got his head to a ball played into the area to knock it down to Gary McGee whose first shot was blocked by a defender but broke back for him to drill into the net at the second attempt.

Lowestoft came out for the second period in a much more determined mood and within seconds Jamie Godbold had pulled the ball back to Dale Cockrill whose cross was inches too far ahead of Scott Mitchell at the far post. However just a minute later Lowestoft moved ahead with Dale Cockrill bursting into the area and although keeper Rob Budd blocked his first shot the ball bounced back for him to blast into the empty net.

Lowestoft were well on top now and Adam Smith saw his fierce 30 yard free kick deflected for a corner and from Jamie Godbolds flag kick Dale Cockrill again went close. Matt Nolan was brought down on the edge of the penalty area and from Scott Mitchells free kick the diving Greg Crane just failed to get the touch to send the ball into the net.

Any hopes of getting back into the game that Ilford harboured disappeared in the 76th minute with Harry Chalk being sent off for his second yellow card. An excellent run and cross from Scott Mitchell saw Gary McGee flash a header a foot wide before Lowestoft sealed their win with a 3rd goal in the 84th minute. Substitute Ross King made ground down the right and when Ilford failed to clear their lines the ball fell to Jamie Godbold who from 25 yards sent a rising drive crashing against the underside of the bar and into the net.

There was almost a 4th goal as substitute Craig Bussens raced away down the right and from his cross Ross King was narrowly wide with an audacious overhead kick.

Man of the Match: Scott Mitchell

Match sponsor Guy Carpets

Match Information

Score: Lowestoft Town - 3      Ilford Town - 1

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