Lowestoft Town 3 Lewes 1

After Joe Francis had seen an early chance charged down Lowestoft were stunned by conceding a calamitous own goal. There seemed little danger as skipper Greg Crane chased a long forward ball but he lifted his back pass high over keeper Andy Reynolds and into the net to give the visitors the lead.

Despite this set back Lowestoft continued to look the sharper side although Lewes went close with a Dwayne Lee header from a Dominic Sterling cross grazing the crossbar. Lowestoft deservedly drew level in the 27th minute. A cross from the right was headed back across goal by Scott Mitchell for Andrew Cave-Brown to volley into the net.

Lowestoft suffered a further set back on the half hour mark when skipper Greg Crane was given a straight red card for something said to the referee.

Lowestoft re-organised at the break sending on Stuart Ainsley in place of Jamie Forshaw with Scott Mitchell dropping back into defence. Straight from the restart Lowestoft caught the Lewes defence cold with Matt Nolan reaching the byeline and pulling the ball back for Lubo Guentchev to net from close range.

Lowestoft were put under some intense pressure by Lewes as the visitors tried to get back into the game but the solid Trawlerboys defence denied them many clear cut chances. The closest they came to scoring was a Wade Small daisy cutter saved at the base of the post by Andy Reynolds.

With the game deep in added time Lowestoft broke away quickly down the right through Lubo Guentchev who played the ball low across the goal for Chris Henderson to turn in at the far post for a goalscoring debut to seal the Trawlerboys victory.

Lowestoft joint manager Ady Gallagher thought it was a well deserved victory for his side. "It was an excellent team performance and his side showed a lot of character. We knew it was going to be tough and Lewes would be a difficult side to beat but in the end the spirit and quality in the side came out on top. A great start to the season."

Star man: Scott Mitchell (Lowestoft Town)

Terry Lynes