Lowestoft Town exited the Emirates FA Cup just short of the promised land of the competition's first round proper but The Trawlerboys went out with their heads held high after a magnificent display against their National League opponents.

It was an afternoon when everything seemed to turn against them – the weather, lady luck and crucial decisions, writes Terry Lynes.

It was five minutes before Lowestoft managed to get a touch of the ball but when they did their intentions were clear as Harvey Sayer raced through but saw his shot deflected into the side netting.

Two minutes later, in the eighth minute, another Sayer surge was halted by Billy Kirkman just outside the area.

Sayer’s free kick ended with Kyle Haylock shooting home to put Lowestoft ahead.

Joe Duffy then set up another chance for Haylock but from 15 yards he grazed the wrong side of the post.

Tragedy struck for the Trawlerboys on 23 minutes when goalkeeper Luke Holt slipped and fell awkwardly whilst kicking clear from the edge of the box.

He was stretchered off the field and 16-year-old Jack Trowbridge, only added to the teamsheet at the last moment, was thrust into the action for a baptism of fire.

Lowestoft continued to dominate for the rest of the half with Haylock, Sayer, Jake Reed and Sam Johnson causing the Seagulls problems.

A crucial decision went against The Trawlerboys four minutes after the break when from a right wing corner young Trowbridge appeared to be impeded by the two beefy opponents allowing Nicholas McCootie to force in the equaliser.

Boosted by the goal Weston started to dominate and Coulson put them ahead in the 66th minute with a cross shot from 18 yards into the corner.

Dylan Kadji then blasted high over the top with the goal at his mercy.

Lowestoft were not giving up without a fight and they pressed for an equaliser with Sayer and Haylock going close.

With Travis Cole pushed up front to add weight to the attack holes appeared at the back allowing Marley Rose to curl an effort against the bar and shooting high from the rebound.

With the game six minutes into added time a breakaway allowed Luke Coulson to round the keeper to add a third goal.

Lowestoft left the field at the end defeated but with heads held high to a standing ovation from the 1,166 crowd.

TEAMS: LOWESTOFT TOWN: Holt (sub Trowbridge 23), Murphy (sub Haddoch 84), Barbrook, McIntosh (sub Eagle 81), Cole, Ruffles, Haylock, Duffy, Jake Reed, Sayer, Johnson (sub Overton 81). Subs (not used) Norman, Blogg, Aldous.

WESTON SUPER MARE: Harris, Pope, Avery, Cane, Dodd (sub Kadji 46), Reuben Reed (sub Bastin 83), Coulson, Kirkman (sub Thomas 46), Lewis, Chamberlain (sub Rose 11), McCootie (sub Bak 71). Subs (not used) Absalom, Soule.

REFEREE: Mr D Baines

ATTENDANCE: 1166

Report by Terry Lynes