Lowestoft's first game under new manager Dale Brooks ended in defeat.

Eastern Daily Press: Lowestoft Town goalkeeper Ben Dudzinsk at full stretch against Met Police. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowLowestoft Town goalkeeper Ben Dudzinsk at full stretch against Met Police. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Brooks, who stepped up from assistant after replacing Ady Gallagher last week, had a strong-looking squad at his disposal, with Andrew Fisk and Rossi Jarvis back for the first time in six weeks and the previous week's absentees, Dean Leacock, Jacek Zielonka and Jake Reed, available.

However, it was a tough first game for Brooks, against a Met Police side on an 11-game unbeaten run that had seen them rise from 22nd to a place in the top six.

Lowestoft created the first chance but from Harry Barker's cross Reed's header looped back over the keeper onto the roof of the net.

But Police took command and it took Ben Dudzinski two attempts to collect a vicious 25-yard effort from Ryan James.

Eastern Daily Press: Lowestoft Town's Jacek Zielonka in action against Met Police. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowLowestoft Town's Jacek Zielonka in action against Met Police. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

The visitors went close again before taking a 19th-minute lead. Tom Bird's free-kick saw keeper Dudzinski fail to hold Jonny Wright's header and the big striker bundled the ball home.

As the interval approached Lowestoft pressured the Police defence, Zielonka testing the keeper from 25 yards and from an Adam Smith corner a Travis Cole header flew just past the post.

Ryan James saw Dudzinski hold one effort and then put a header over the bar from a couple of yards out as the Police looked to increase their lead after the half-time break.

The game was effectively sealed 12 minutes from time when Smith lost his footing just outside the home penalty area and the ball was played through to Bayley Mummery who took it around the keeper to score.

Eastern Daily Press: Lowestoft Town captain Travis Cole being spoken to by the referee.Lowestoft Town captain Travis Cole being spoken to by the referee. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

To add insult to injury Lloyd Macklin added a third in the final minute before Lowestoft hit a consolation goal when Reed headed in Barker's cross in added time.

Lowestoft Town: Dudzinski, Barker, Smith, Cole, McAuley, Leacock, Borrer, Fisk (Nyadzayo 66), Reed, Greenleaf (Jarvis 79), Zielonka, Subs not used: Westlake, Wren, Putnins.

Met Police: L Williams, Myers (Arthur 84), Bird, Gasson, Robinson, Gallagher, S Williams, Salmon, Wright (Mummery 67), James (Robertson 84), Macklin, Subs not used: Nurse, Tarr.

Referee; Ms A Marriott

Eastern Daily Press: Action from Lowestoft's game against Met Police. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowAction from Lowestoft's game against Met Police. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Attendance: 395

Eastern Daily Press: Dean Leacock in action for Lowestoft against Met Police. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowDean Leacock in action for Lowestoft against Met Police. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Eastern Daily Press: Rossi Jarvis, right, returned to face Met Police after injury. Picture: Shirley D WhitlowRossi Jarvis, right, returned to face Met Police after injury. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)