After their heavy Boxing Day defeat manager Andy Reynolds was looking for the right response when they faced Barwell in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central Division on Saturday, writes Terry Lynes.

His squad showed their true mettle and responded in style with a full blooded committed 90 minutes and fully deserved their victory.

There were excellent performances all over the pitch with Harry Barbrook outstanding in the heart of the defence and Ashton Blogg and Joe Duffy competitive in midfield.

Lowestoft showed their determination from the start with Harvey Sayer’s strong run setting up a chance for Sam Aldous but a strong tackle from Herve Ngoma conceded a corner.

Two Sayer corners in quick succession ended with Joao Rangel crossing back into the danger zone but it was inches too high for Aldous.

Barwell started to come more into the game and had a great chance to take the lead but Tyrell Hamilton shot just wide of the upright from the edge of the area.

A mix up in the Trawlerboys defence led to a mad scramble, which ended with Barbrook preventing Jahdann Harper from forcing the ball home at the far post.

As the interval approached Sayer tested the keeper with a low drive and a curling effort from Blogg just missed the angle of bar and post.

Barwell were the first to show in the second period with a volley from Jack Rogers landing on the roof of the net and Sam Blair saving confidently from Harper.

Lowestoft were beginning to find more space in the visitors defence and Joe Duffy was only inches wide from 18 yards.

The breakthrough arrived in the 62nd minute when Rangel collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, left both Victor Nirennold and Scott McManus standing before shooting low past Billy Highland and just inside the post.

Rangel then set up Haylock but Highland managed to save with his legs.

With just a goal deficit Barwell pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes but the Trawlerboys defence held firm with Blair saving well from Hickey and Arthur.

TEAMS: LOWESTOFT TOWN: Blair, Norman, Murphy, Blogg, Ruffles, Barbrook, Haylock (sub Ben Atkinson 90+1), Duffy, Aldous (sub Overton 79), Sayer, Rangel. Subs (not used): Honeywood, Haddoch, Yeo.

BARWELL: Highland, Harper, Brown-Hill (sub Master 68), Ngoma, Nirennold, McManus, Rowe-Turner, Hamilton, Hickey, Hill, Rogers (sub Arthur 68). Subs (not used): Fankwe, Greet, Osbourne.

REFEREE: Mr A Tyne

ATTENDANCE: 415

Report by Terry Lynes