Lowestoft Town overcame huge adversity playing over 80 minutes with just 10 players to remain unbeaten after an early red card for Selina Rowland, Beth Turner had given Lowestoft the lead from the spot but Mulbarton equalised to earn a share of the spoils.

This game was just what was needed after an interesting contest last weekend, Mulbarton a fabulous club in every way welcomed the Trawler Girls with open arms and the game was a wonderful sporting contest with both sides having the upmost respect for each other.

Lowestoft came into the game very much on the back foot with a huge injury list and their first choice goalkeeper on a well deserved holiday. They were up against a Mulbarton side fully established in Division one, sprinkled with hugely experienced players like Naomi Cooper, Rebekah Lake and Victoria McNorton. If Lowestoft's unbeaten season was going to come under threat it was going to be here, this was a huge hurdle that simply had to be navigated to get the unbeaten season the whole squad craved.

The club welcomed back Brooke Osborne who played from the start and Zoe Gibbons who later came off the bench after long absences for personal reasons. Both very much still short of match minutes but both desperate to get back into it and both desperate to help the cause on a day when Lowestoft were very short on numbers.

Disaster struck just before the 10 minute mark, Legendary local football stalwart Selina Rowland was shown a red card to add to the uphill task Lowestoft faced. From here it was going to be tough, Rowland's presence in the middle of the pitch always vital to the success of Lowestoft and the remaining 10 on the pitch knew they were going to have to dig deep and they did.

Good teams are always built from the back and with regular goalkeeper Chloe Pearce on well deserved holidays, Sofia Serghiou played in goal for the entire afternoon and was simply magnificent, dealt with everything Mulbarton threw at her, several great saves and tip overs to keep Mulbarton out. Serghiou player of the match on the day and fully deserved as well.

The scores remained 0-0 at the break to the delight of Lowestoft who had restricted Mulbarton to long range shots at goal in the main, whilst Mulbarton had dominated possession, they only had a few chances and Serghiou dealt with everything.

Coaches Andy and Maz gave an inspiring Half time team talk and reminded the players the unbeaten season was still there to be achieved, captain Charnelle Riggall did her best to inspire the players as well. What followed in the second half was simply inspirational.

Lowestoft were awarded a penalty which Beth Turner brilliantly converted for her 20th goal of the season, Lowestoft with just the 10 players were ahead and had something to protect. Now it was all about being compact and resolute to try and get the unbeaten season over the line.

There were so many players to shout out, the brick wall of Marcie Prettyman, Fran Heaney, Mia Wilson, Charnelle Riggall at the back doing absolutely incredibly to protect Serghiou in the goal. Brooke Osborne absolutely buzzing to be back out there after a long absence was like a Duracell Bunny running around all over the place with a smile on her face in the middle of the park.

Lauren Purling had a fabulous game and put in a great shift for the team, one of the best performers on the day alongside goalkeeper Serghiou and the ever reliable rolls royce Marcie Prettyman. Zoe Gibbons came on second half and put in a great shift also.

Mulbarton did find the equaliser which goalkeeper Serghiou could do nothing about. With the player advantage Mulbarton became more dominant in the closing stages but the Lowestoft team stepped up as they did all afternoon, ran themselves into the ground and got over the line to secure an amazing point against a very strong Mulbarton side.

The game finished 1-1 which was a fabulous result in the hardest but also one of the most enjoyable away games of the season to continue the wonderful unbeaten season for the team.

The squad came with 12, played with 10 from 10 minutes in and got a point off a fully established Division one side with National league and Eastern Region players involved, this was another special effort and a remarkable result to add to a very special season.

The game was a fabulous sporting contest throughout played in the sunshine with both sets of players and spectators enjoying the occasion with no nonsense, it was the perfect Norfolk Women and Girls Football League occasion and how grassroots football should be.

The afternoon ended with both teams taking traditional end of season celebratory photos in the goal mouths before both clubs enjoyed a drink together out the back of the adjacent Mulbarton Social Club to mark the end of what was a very enjoyable day.

Everyone at Lowestoft Town thanks Mulbarton for their kindness on the day and for the many congratulations messages received for the Trawler Girls winning the Championship last weekend.

Lowestoft wishes Mulbarton well for their Plate Cup Final vs University of East Anglia on Sunday 17th May.

For Lowestoft, it remains to be seen if there are any more fixtures this season, The scheduled home game against Aylsham has already been awarded to Lowestoft, with those three points and today's point Lowestoft sit on 47.

The trip to Sprowston has been brought forward from Sunday 17th May to Sunday 10th May which if takes place will form our final match of the season as the ladies aim to make it 50 points and complete the unbeaten season.

Up the Trawler Girls!

By Darrell Allen