‘WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS’ was being sung by the travelling Trawerboys on Saturday long before the final whistle as news came through that their main rivals were all losing - meaning that their victory in North London was sufficient to clinch the title, writes Terry Lynes.

In fact the victory was virtually assured after just seven minutes as Lowestoft moved two goals ahead.

But it might have turned out so differently as within seconds of the start Joe Waight was given a free run at goal but shot tamely at Luke Holt.

Play immediately switched to the other end where Sam Johnson combined with Harvey Sayer who cut in along the byeline and his driven cross was deflected into the net off the unlucky Can Arioglu.

With their tails up Lowestoft won a series of corners and from the final flag kick Travis Cole’s header was blocked but fell perfectly for Sam Johnson to drill just inside the upright from 18 yards.

At this stage Lowestoft seemed able to cut through the home defence at will and Johnson won the ball off Tiob Adeyemi and fed Kyle Haylock but his shot was blocked by the combined bodies of keeper and defenders.

Jake Reed then raced on to a chipped ball forward and lifted it over the keeper who got an important touch to turn the ball wide.

There was double joy early in the second half as first news came through that Bowers had lost their two goal lead.

As in the first half Salamis had a chance to get on the scoresheet in the opening minute of the half but Holt flew across goal to tip over a goalbound shot from Cern Poyaz to protect Lowestoft’s lead.

Lowestoft though added their third goal five minutes after the break.

The ball was won by Louis McIntosh, fed to Reed who drew the keeper before squaring the ball to Johnson to hit home from 10 yards.

The experienced Derek Asamoah hit a consolation goal for Salamis 7 minutes from the end.

TEAMS: NEW SALAMIS: Wealands, Kpemou, Batzelis, Blackwood (sub Lynch 30), Arioglu, Adeyemi, Skandari (Jackson 64), Poyraz, Asamoah, Mandia (sub Hercules 54), Waight. Subs (not used): Djadja, Christoforou

LOWESTOFT TOWN: Holt, Norman (sub Murphy 60), Eagle (sub Fitzgerald 68), McIntosh (sub Deeks 68), Cole, Hazell, Haylock, David Hinton, Reed, Sayer, Johnson. Subs (not used): White, Burwood

REFEREE: Mr J Gray

ATTENDANCE: 212

Report by Terry Lynes