This win at Aylsham was a massive statement from the team, to go away to the consecutive league cup finalists of recent seasons in the only tie of the round that paired Division One opposition together and win 7-1, this was a special result. Lowestoft returned to Youngs Park with mixed emotions and memories after their last visit on 26th April which saw Lowestoft claim a 4-3 victory which at the same time clinched them the NWGFL Division One title, it was a day however tinged with great sadness as Lucy Eagle suffered a serious injury which she so bravely and positively continues to recover from.

The manner in which this game went on Sunday, to fall behind very early and come back with a thumping 7-1 win, says it all about the determination and togetherness of this squad, they fight together and play with each other for the badge and they produced a result which provides a massive statement on so many levels and seals a place in Round 2 of the League Cup where Long Stratton will visit Crown Meadow on Remembrance Sunday.

Signing of the Summer

The NWGFL signing of the summer wasn't actually a player that signed this summer, enter Zoe Gibbons, registered with Lowestoft through the 2025/2026 season but missing for the duration of the campaign for personal reasons. Zoe coming back and doing great things is like Christmas come early for manager Iain Spoor and the squad. After spending the first half on the bench Zoe lit up this first round cup tie with a blistering second half hat-trick in a superb individual performance to help put clear daylight between themselves and Aylsham on the day and a seal a place in the next round.

My goodness its wonderful to have Zoe back and many of us have fond pre pandemic memories of Zoe doing great things for Ipswich Town in step 4 of the pyramid, her loyalty to Lowestoft and her team mates is a superb personal trait she has and to have Zoe back playing and doing great things is just magical for the club, and the beautiful thing is Zoe will only get better and better as we go through the season. A player as good as a new signing and will be vital as Lowestoft go course and distance through the season as they look to achieve their aims.

Selina is Back

Sunday saw the much welcome return of the clubs stalwart midfielder Selina Rowland, missing thus far following a season final day red card at Mulbarton on 3rd May. Rowland returned to the pitch around the hour mark at Aylsham and was managed to header against the bar with her first touch. Her prescence and touch on any pitch always noticeable and her return provided a huge positive to the afternoon for Lowestoft.

Rowland presence was much missed in the season thus far particularly in that FA Cup tie with higher division Needham Market and that bruising coastal affair at Shrublands. With the fixtures to come especially in the next weeks, Rowland provides another vital option as Lowestoft look to navigate the challenges the coming fixtures provide.

Forwards firing

3.75 goals a game so far, making 15 goals in the four competitive fixtures, Lowestoft are warming up nicely as Autumn arrives and perhaps one of the most pleasing thing is that all forwards are scoring and contributing to the success of the season so far. Beth Turner has scored a third of the teams goals, netting braces at Mulbarton and Aylsham and a singular strike at Shrublands see her on 5 goals for the season. Zoe Gibbons after her Hat-trick on Sunday will offer a fine threat during the season.

With a brace each already on the board for Lauren Goulder, Louise Nichols and Mia Rose plus Abi Bell also on the scoresheet signs meaning that all forwards are nicely up and running and firing before the autumn clock change. With goals being spread around signs are already very encouraging for the season ahead. Long may this continue.

Home comforts

After a season start that has seen Lowestoft on the road to Mulbarton, Shrublands and Aylsham, finally the long wait will soon be over and Lowestoft will get to play their first home league game since becoming Champions in April. Sunday 18th October will see Lowestoft welcome UEA to Crown Meadow in what is amazingly their first home league fixture since Sunday 29th March. 203 days would have passed by the time Sunday arrives and UEA arrive at Crown Meadow for the League home opener of this campaign.

The visit from the University will be followed by home games against League Leaders Costessey Sports on Sunday 25th October and Kings Lynn Soccer Club who are the only other side along with Lowestoft to have a 100% record at the time of writing. Remembrance Sunday 8th November will now also provide a home game with Long Stratton visiting in the next round of the League Cup. Its a home quadruple header to look forward to and hopefully the town will come out in force to support its Ladies team.

Defining period

Get set for the period that will shape and define the direction this Lowestoft Town Ladies season will take, beginning on 18th October and finishing on 29th November, seven games, five in the league and two in the cup by the end will tell us where we are at and what we can aim for in 2026/2027. Bookended by a University double header, home on 18th October and away on 29th November, two hard games in their own right which provide a unique challenge with the ever changing influx of University students. Lowestoft won the two league games 3-1 and 2-1 last season and the meetings this season are again expected to be very tight.

The two sides that are expected to be Lowestoft's strongest challengers to retaining the title, Costessey Sports visit Crown Meadow on 25th October who currently lead the table and have a huge array of players at their disposal. The sides met on three occasions last season, Lowestoft winning the league games 5-0 and 2-0 but Costessey knocking Lowestoft out of the League Cup on Mothering Sunday back in March. This again is expected to be another close match. Mulbarton visit Crown Meadow on 22nd November, Lowestoft have beaten them already 4-1 this season but Mulbarton have strengthened since the opening day match up and the reverse fixture is expected to be a very tight affair.

The other league fixture is the visit from Kings Lynn Soccer Club who come to Crown Meadow on 1st November, both Lowestoft and Kings Lynn currently have 100% records and if they still have them heading into the game on 1st November something will have to give. Cup ties await Lowestoft on 15th November when the team travel to Stowmarket Town for the 2nd round of the Suffolk Women's Cup and Long Stratton will visit Crown Meadow the week prior in the 2nd round of the League Cup which is due to take place on Sunday 8th November.

So lots to look forward, big games both home and away and the team will need all your support as we go through this next phase of the season and a crucial Autumn period, when we go to bed on 29th November we will have learned a lot about the direction of travel this Lowestoft Town Ladies season will take.

Up the Trawler Girls!

By Darrell Allen

Photo: Lucy Eagle

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