This Pitching In Isthmian League North Division game between the division's top two teams saw a crowd of 971 attracted to the Fosters Solicitors Community Stadium to witness Lowestoft’s attempt to wrestle back the position they had held for most of the season, writes Terry Lynes.

On a bright afternoon those spectators witnessed a game that if lacking a bit of quality made up for it with a tense exciting contest.

The game kicked off with Felixstowe facing the strong wind and those conditions seemed to unsettle Josh Blunkell in the Seasiders goal as he started to race out for a ball chipped over his defence but found himself in no mans land as Kyle Haylock reached the ball first to lift over the keeper to give Lowestoft an eighth minute lead.

Lowestoft pressed to increase their advantage and Adam Hipperson curled an opening just beyond the far post before Blunkell reacted quickly in a double save to firstly block Haylock’s drive and then Sam Johnson’s follow up.

It took Felixstowe 20 minutes to create their first goal attempt but Josh Mayhew headed over the bar from six yards following a left wing cross.

As the interval approached Stuart Ainsley’s rocket from 25 yards forced Luke Holt into his only real save of the game.

The second half followed a similar pattern as the first with possession being shared but it was the Trawlerboys who looked the more likely to score.

Hipperson was foiled by Blunkell as was Harvey Sayer with the keeper then saving Haylock’s follow up with his legs.

Fouls just outside the area gave Lowestoft a couple of free kicks in dangerous positions but Sayer’s accuracy was lacking.

Lowestoft were close to adding a second when Blunkell raced out to kick clear but scuffed his clearance to Hipperson who from 40 yards out lobbed the ball back over the keeper but the ball hit the post and bounced along the goal line and out.

Felixstowe’s reprieve though only lasted three minutes before Lowestoft sealed their win with a second goal.

Keeper Blunkell was again at fault as he raced from his area but his clearance was charged down by Johnson who had the simple task of running the ball into an unguarded net.

TEAMS: LOWESTOFT TOWN: Holt, Norman (sub Murphy 69), Eagle, Deeks (sub Fitzgerald 78), Cole, Hazell, Haylock, David Hinton, Johnson (Sub Aldous 90+5), Sayer, Hipperson. Subs (not used): Graham Hinton, Burwood.

FELIXSTOWE & WALTON UNITED: Blunkell, Howell (sub Bennett 88), Ainsley, Holland (sub Barley 72), Whight, Ottley-Gooch, Brown (sub Clements 75), Aitkens, Mayhew, Harrison, Hitter. Subs (not used): Hassannally, Dunne.

REFEREE: Mr B Bowles

ATTENDANCE: 971

Report by Terry Lynes