Lowestoft Town 2 Wingate & Finchley 0

With Erkan Okay injured on Monday Mitchell had moved back to the right back position with Dale Cockrill returning to the starting line up in midfield.

Lowestoft took control of the game from the start and it took just 8 minutes for them to move ahead. A Lubo Guentchev corner was only partially cleared by Tony Burke. Mitchell picked up the ball in midfield some 30 yards out and he sent a thunderbolt screaming past keeper Bobby Smith into the net.

The rampant Trawlerboys kept Wingate penned into their own half and looked to have increased their lead as Adam Smith’s free kick eluded every one but rebounded off the inside of the post into the grateful hands of Bobby Smith.

Guentchev tried his luck from 20 yards but the ball flashed inches wide of the target. Lowestoft’s passing and movement were causing the visitors all sorts of problems and a flowing move saw the ball moved quickly from Jamie Forshaw to Chris Henderson and on to Guentchev whose goal bound effort was saved by Bobby Smith.

A second goal always looked on the cards with the only surprise being that it did not arrive until the 56th minute. The chance was again created by the Blues fluidity with Mitchell finding Michael Frew who played a return pass for the over lapping full back. His cross found Henderson who played the ball back to Guentchev to fire home from the edge of the area.

A third goal looked likely as Frew defence splitting pass released Guentchev but the keeper raced from his goal to save bravely at the striker’s feet. Adam Smith’s floated free kick reached Frew at the far post but although his looping header beat Bobby Smith the ball curled just wide of the post.

Wingate had offered little in attack and even the introduction of their leading scorer Leon Smith did not liven them up although the striker did force Andy Reynolds into his only routine save of the match.

However the game ended as it had started with the Blues on the attack with Mitchell taking a return pass from Guentchev to force Bobby Smith into another fine save.

Blues joint manager Ady Gallagher was pleased with the overall performance of his side and another three points that keeps them on equal points with leaders Billericay Town with 2 games in hand and sets up an exciting second half of the season.

Terry Lynes