Lowestoft Town were denied a vital victory in the fight to get away from the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central Division relegation zone when high flying Stamford equalised in the third minute of added on time, writes Terry Lynes.

Although they would have settled for a point before the game there was an air of disappointment at the loss of the extra two points after the game.

Lowestoft gave a debut to loan signing Josh Lewis but they were without the injured Ellis Craven in goal.

Stamford kicked off and almost took the lead inside 60 seconds as Kai Tonge raced clear but Ronnie Yeo’s full length dive turned the ball away for a corner.

Lowestoft soon showed their own attacking intent and Louis McIntosh’s pinpoint cross found Kyle Haylock whose header was inches too high.

The Trawlerboys went even closer on the quarter hour mark as Harvey Sayer left Jordan Cooke bemused but saw his rising drive smash against the crossbar.

Lowestoft had looked the better side in the first half but had to wait until the 50th minute before taking the lead.

Sayer was giving Charlie Marzano a torrid afternoon and he raced past him yet again to slide the ball past Tom Jackson into the home goal.

Just four minutes later Sayer added his second goal cutting inside again from the byeline before shooting between Jackson and his near post.

Stamford pulled a goal in the 60th minute. A high floated free kick from Joe Burgess saw Tonge rise high to send a downward header which spiralled high into the roof of the net.

Lowestoft sent on Travis Cole to shore up the defence as Stamford pressed strongly in the final quarter.

The Trawlerboys were working desperately to maintain their lead with Yeo performing heroically in goal and showing no little bravery as he dived amongst the flailing boots.

Then with three of the 10 added on minutes played, Lowestoft struggled to clear the ball and a snap drive from George Hobbins flew into the top corner of the net to level the scores.

TEAMS - STAMFORD: Jackson, Manzano (sub Challinor 63), Bartle (sub Montel 46), Offler (sub Liversidge 46), Cooke, Blunden, Tonge, Hobbins, Chitiza, Shaw, Burgess. Subs (not used): Matwasa, Heath.

LOWESTOFT TOWN: Yeo, Norman, Lewis, McIntosh (sub Haddoch 86), Ruffles (sub Cole 63), Ayoola, Duffy, Johnson, Rangel (sub Overton 75), Sayer, Haylock. Subs (not used): Eagle, Howell.

REFEREE: Mr A Wilson

ATTENDANCE: 367

Report by Terry Lynes