Lowestoft Town’s visit to league leaders Halesowen Town always looked a difficult task and they found a team that more than justified their lofty position, writes Terry Lynes.

To be fair, the Lowestoft lads could not be faulted for their commitment and battling qualities but on the day they were well beaten by the home side.

The game had however started well for Lowestoft with them being awarded three free kicks in the opening two minutes each about 25 yards out to the right of the goal.

The third free kick on three minutes found the on-rushing Sam Johnson whose downward header was pushed against the base of the post by Dan Platt and as it bounced across the goal Kyle Haylock reacted quickest to knock the ball over the line.

From then onwards Lowestoft were put under some intense pressure but were forced to defend desperately in an effort to maintain their lead.

They had a fortunate let off after 25 minutes though as Alex Cameron’s volley spiralled off a Lowestoft defender and dropped on the roof of the net.

Although not showing much as an attacking force Lowestoft did attack at pace when in possession and from a Harvey Sayer corner Dylan Ruffles slid in at the far post but just failed to get a touch.

Lowestoft had been dealing quite well with the aerial bombardment but they were eventually breached in the 32nd minute with a right wing corner flicked on by Ryan Wynter and when Parker’s drive was blocked the ball fell nicely for Wynter to volley into the roof of the net.

It didn’t take long for Halesowen to score again as four minutes later it arrived by a similar route as Wynter again won the ball in the air and from his flick on Cameron found the net.

Just as Lowestoft appeared to have survived to the interval without further damage, Halesowen added a third on the stroke of half time.

This time it was Tee’s free kick which was nodded down for Manning to drive home.

The second half saw Halesowen retain most of the possession but Sayer saw more of the action and from a corner Jesse Ayoola’s header grazed the crossbar.

TEAMS: HALESOWEN TOWN: Platt, Hickman, Cassidy, Smile, Wynter, Wollacott, Parker (sub Birch 91), Tee, Cameron (sub Flanagan 80), Butterfield, Manning (sub Mitchell 71). Subs (not used): Oliver, Solly.

LOWESTOFT TOWN: Yeo, Norman, Lewis, McIntosh (sub Eagle 66), Ruffles, Ayoola, Duffy, Johnson, Rangel (sub Overton 66), Sayer, Haylock (sub Haddoch 80). Sub (not used) Cole.

REFEREE: Mr M Cartwright

ATTENDANCE: 1584

Report by Terry Lynes