Saturday 29th August 2009
LOWESTOFT TOWN 3, BLOATERS 0
FA Cup Preliminary Round
For the second Saturday in succession Yarmouth had an attack of the Blues, this time of the Lowestoft persuasion, as their FA Cup campaign came to an abrupt end at Crown Meadow.
For a long time in this game with the score at 1-0 an upset was still on the cards but two late Lowestoft goals sealed the Bloaters’ fate.
Lowestoft opened the scoring in only the seventh minute but had to wait until the 82nd minute for the clinching second with a third five minutes later being some icing on the cake.
“Class told,” lamented Yarmouth boss Paul Tong. “You cannot make mistakes at this level but we made a couple and paid the price. Nobody makes them on purpose of course, but Lowestoft then took the bull by the horns and saw out the game.”
After winning two early corners, the home nerves were settled by Scott Mitchell's spectacular 30-yard free kick which sailed past Michael Hilton’s leap into the top corner though the 'keeper got a touch. Thereafter, Lowestoft huffed and puffed but found no further comfort to stretch the lead.
Yarmouth were put under considerable pressure but Hilton really had little to do as a combination of the Bloaters’ defence and some uncharacteristic slack play by the Blues saw the score remain 1-0 at halftime. The highlight of the half for Yarmouth was a delightful piece of skill by Dominic Smith to get round his man that drew generous applause from the 600-plus crowd but on the whole inaccurate passing was their downfall as they gave the ball away too easily.
Stewart Roach went on at the start of the second half which began more brightly for the Bloaters as Jake Reed had Yarmouth’s first shot though it was straight at Andy Reynolds, followed by a header from Craig Roberts that went over. When Lowestoft began to reassert themselves, Olly Savage cleared a Ross King effort off his line before Roberts was booked for a foul on Craig Bussens but Darren Mitchell’s free kick went way over the top.
Lowestoft had won eight corners before Yarmouth obtained their first when Reynolds got down to push away a 25-yard free kick after 74 minutes and a second soon followed but Lowestoft looked to have plenty in reserve. They always had players available, particularly out wide and it was a cross from Adam Smith on their left that enabled home captain Damian Hilton to stroke home the second after 82 minutes.
Mark Thompson came on and took a free kick which Sewell headed over before it was back to the other end where Reece Hunn and Jamie Godbold combined for King to give the scoreline a slightly flattering look with the third goal.
Lowestoft boss Micky Chapman thought Yarmouth had made a game of it: “They worked their socks off,” he said, “and all credit to them. At 1-0, it was always going to be tight, but the second goal killed the game off though it was a long time coming. We weren’t at our best and Yarmouth made it difficult for us but we knew it would be tough; they’re a good young side with a blend of experience in Saunders, Magee and Roach, so as I say, all credit to them.”
Paul Tong had the last word: “Our players should not be too disheartened. After our first half when we gave the ball away too much we improved and created a couple of chances. We’re a team and we’ve got to work harder for each other, but overall, I’m not displeased with the afternoon.”
Yarmouth – M Hilton, B Junior, O Savage, C Roberts (V Formoso 69), A Ager, M Saunders, A Sewell, M Magee, J Reed, D Smith (M Thompson 83), S Woodcock (S Roach 46). Subs not used: L Bartley, T Gorbould, B Lowthorpe.
Referee – Nigel Smith
Attendance - 659