Lowestoft 0-2 Leiston

Lowestoft dropped into the relegation zone following a 2-0 defeat against local rivals Leiston on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Trawlerboys managed to complete the double over Leiston last term, however an unfortunate own-goal from Rory McAuley and a dazzling run and finish from former Lowestoft man Joe Marsden made sure that the points would go the other way this time.

In their previous home game against Worthing, Lowestoft dominated the first half and were incredibly unlucky to only take a one-goal advantage into the break. Yet Leiston were a tougher opponent and to be level at half time was a blessing. Another ex-Trawlerboy Robert Eagle almost produced the spectacular when a corner evaded everyone other than Ben Dudzinski; the goalkeeper making a valiant effort to tip the ball onto the woodwork. This would certainly not be the only occasion where the ball would meet the woodwork, as Joe Marsden and Dominic Docherty's attempts hit the crossbar and post respectively. Lowestoft's big chance in the half came as Andrew Fisk's knock down from a Zielonka free kick fell inches past Jake Reed, who looked to be in a great position to tap home.

In the second period, Reed was left wondering how he had not secured a third goal of the season. Up from a corner, Dean Leacock headed towards the striker, who's firm hit was blocked on the line and cleared away in frustrating fashion. What proved to be more frustrating though was that Leiston nicked an opener just moments later. Eagle crossed into the penalty area and Dudzinski was left stranded, as the ball deflected off of McAuley and into his net. While this goal was mostly down to misfortune, the misery compiling second could easily have been prevented. Marsden seemed to have all the space in the world to roam through Lowestoft's midfield and fire past Dudzinski from outside the box, as the derby looked to be getting away from the home side just ten minutes after the re-start.

At this point, Leiston were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure from their opponents. Harry Barker and Harvey Hodd were both victims of the visitors' numbers in the box; Hodd looking primed to score, only for the defence to close him down and take the pace away from his shot. The introduction of Cruise Nyadzayo in place of Jacek Zielonka added an element of pace to the attack but not much else, with Leiston's defence coming on top of duels both on the ground and in the air. Leiston certainly rose to the occasion and took advantage of a poor performance from Lowestoft, also rising to fourth in the table and becoming the only remaining unbeaten side in the Bostik League.

​As for the Trawlerboys, they'll look forward to a change of scene next week and a trip to Bedford Town for their first FA Cup test this year. Although we're only five games into the new season, it's hardly inspiring to see Lowestoft towards the rear of the table and we'll all be hoping that this mini-break can spark a change in momentum as the Trawlerboys look to improve on last season's eleventh placed finish.

Matthew Reddy.