Lowestoft Town produced their finest day of the season so far as they continued their 100% winning start to the season, making it 12 wins out of 12 as late goals from Beth Turner and Lauren Bullard saw Lowestoft obliterate title rivals Costessey Sports and all but end this season's title race as a contest.

In an inspirational show of togetherness and unity at Crown Meadow, This was a game where Lowestoft battled extraordinary adversity to reach the greatest of heights as the team lost stalwart Selina Rowland early in the second half after a second yellow card saw the legendary midfielder dismissed from the field. The game also saw players playing through severe illness and the game was played in difficult windy conditions. The Trawler Girls overcame all that to complete the league double over Costessey without reply and go seven points clear at the top with a game in hand.

In what was remarkably Lowestoft's first Crown Meadow outing of 2026, the team knew the importance of the occasion, manager Iain Spoor stuck with the strike partnership of Lauren Bullard and Louise Nichols who had contributed five of the six goals at Bure Valley last week. There was also a return for Mia Wilson at the heart of the defence.

Lowestoft had the best of the first half as chances fell to both Bullard and Nichols but they were unable to beat the Costessey goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook.

In a game that was hotly contested, with Costessey shouting for everything to try and influence referee Joshua Holland. Rowland received her first caution of the game before Half Time as the game remained scoreless at the interval with relatively little goal mouth action during the first half as both teams found it tough to break through strong defensive lines.

The game exploded into life during the second half with Costessey through towards goal Selina Rowland had to make a tackle to prevent damage, unfortunately it resulted in a second yellow of the game for Rowland and an early exit from this huge contest.

Lowestoft knew they were up against it, battling a player light against a good Costessey side who have kept them honest right through the season and Lowestoft knew this was now going to take a herculean effort to get any form points out of the afternoon. What followed the red card was one of the most inspirational football performances ever seen.

Costessey as expected with the player advantage dominated the ball and had most of the possession for the remainder of the contest but were unable to do anything significant with it. That was down to every single Trawler Girls player playing their hearts out for the badge, the coaching staff moved Mia Wilson in front of a back three of Charnelle Riggall, Fran Heaney and Marcie Prettyman.

The communication between the four defensive players and goalkeeper Chloe Pearce was absolute perfection throughout the afternoon, they simply did not miss a beat, there were regular calls from keeper Pearce who was there to collect, kick out and protect the goal from any balls that were coming into the box.

Prettyman made several precision tackles to prevent Costessey from taking shots on goal. Heaney was there with communication and calls just as loud as keeper Pearce, making several long distance clearances of her own, there was not a chance Lowestoft were conceding a goal in this game. Wilson thrown in front of the defence with zero notice but adapted to the role brilliantly and helped the cause heroically.

We mustn't forget the one remaining component of the defence, captain Charnelle Riggall playing through her own illness and adversity and was everywhere with the rest of the defence to ensure the goal and clean sheet was protected. Lowestoft knew the consequence of losing this game would have been catastrophic and the team found new levels to ensure that didn't happen.

All that meant Costessey even with a player advantage were restricted to shots from long distance to try and find a way past keeper Pearce. A point would have been fine for Lowestoft as it was a game Costessey had to win to keep the title alive and in the circumstances with 10 players Lowestoft a 0-0 would have been brilliant.

Manager Iain Spoor decided to spice things up further introducing Beth Turner who had been patiently waiting all afternoon on the sidelines for her moment. Turner was on along with Lucy Eagle who had been introduced at the start of the half. It turned out to be inspired introductions for manager Spoor, as the 90 minutes drew to a close, we were given the moment of the season as Eagle produced one her perfectly placed passes to find Turner, who ran through on goal and finished delightfully beyond Fullbrook to give Lowestoft the lead and spark wild scenes of celebration at Crown Meadow, even Lauren Goulder running the length of the pitch from the dugout to join in the celebrations, it was an incredible moment and one the team deserved for their excellent attitude and commitment after losing Rowland.

There were still several minutes of stoppage time to get through as the game went on close to 4pm, the team's concentration remained and there was another glorious moment as a Hazel Saddington assist found Lauren Bullard who was there to smash the ball past Fullbrook from close range to put the icing on a tremendous afternoon for the team and create more wild, never to be forgotten, scenes of celebration. The Trawler Girls had scored twice with just 10 players to wrap up a well deserved victory through the face of adversity.

The full time whistle was blown to confirm a 2-0 win and a vital three points that takes Lowestoft Town seven points clear with a game in hand on Costessey. Lowestoft have one hand on the title now and they will be hoping to secure it in the weeks to come.

This was a special victory but what will be just as pleasing was the attitude, commitment and togetherness after losing Rowland to then raise the levels, battle through, protect the goal, to then go on and win it was the ultimate moment for all connected to the Ladies set up.

This was a true team effort as manager Iain Spoor awarded the Player of the Match award rightfully to every single player, because without a team spirit and togetherness you achieve absolutely nothing. This was the very best of Lowestoft Town and an occasion to remember for life.

Next up sees Lowestoft Town back at Crown Meadow again this Easter Sunday for a battle of the league's two form teams as Kings Lynn Soccer Club are the visitors who are unbeaten in their last six league games winning five of them. It is sure to be another special occasion and brilliant match at Crown Meadow with kick off scheduled for 2pm on Sunday 5th April.

Up the Trawler Girls!

By Darrell Allen