The Trawlerboys first starting line up of the new Pitching In Isthmian League North Division season very much resembled last season’s squad with the three new signings all on the bench.

On a hard pitch and with a troublesome wind Lowestoft took time to settle with Basildon having more of the play as they surged forward at pace with diminutive winger Clyde Semazzi prominent.

Lowestoft eventually moved forward and won their first corner in the 17th minute and had a great chance to open the scoring a minute later when the ball squirmed from the keeper’s hands as he intended to throw it out.

The ball fell perfectly for Jake Reed but he could only shoot into the side netting.

Lowestoft enjoyed a purple spell with Sam Johnson seeing his 18 yard effort palmed wide at full length by the diving George Marsh.

The first half finished goalless with the home side having better of things.

Lowestoft made a better start to the second half with Kyle Haylock breaking down the middle before being brought down just outside the area but the free kick flashed wide.

On 50 minutes Luke Holt’s long clearance released Reed but keeper March spread himself to save with his legs.

Seven minutes later Lowestoft gave a debut to Tom Fitzgerald with the newcomer replacing Rob Eagle in midfield.

Johnson tried his luck from 20 yards but the ball flew a couple of inches too high.

Although Lowestoft were having a better half Basildon were still causing a threat and it took an excellent flying save by Holt to turn a vicious drive from Samie Ali over the bar.

Lowestoft gave a second debut sending on Harvey Sayer to replace Haylock with 18 minutes left and he immediately looked lively down the right flank.

With the game looking destined to finish goalless Basildon broke the deadlock with five minutes of normal time left.

Kai Brown took advantage as Owen Murphy slipped to race away down the right and his low cross was turned in at the near post by Clyde Semazzi.

Lowestoft surged forward looking for an equaliser which duly arrived in the first of seven added on minutes.

Adam Hipperson, who had had little success on the day, cut inside Jamie Bennett to hammer the ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

BASILDON UNITED: Marsh, Bennett, Empochontsif, Machado, Bloss, Brogan, Brown, Burkey, Ali, Gage (sub Allen 77), Semazzi. Subs (not used): Thompson, Bhamra, D Sayer.

LOWESTOFT TOWN: Holt, Norman, Murphy, Eagle (sub Fitzgerald 58), Cole, Ruffles, Haylock (sub H Sayer 73), Hinton, Reed, Johnson, Hipperson. Subs (not used): White, McIntosh, Logan.

REFEREE: Mr R Carter

Report by Terry Lynes