Friendly to ease Lowestoft's money woes

Lowestoft Town's financial problems are expected to be over tonight when the Blues bank the profits of their pre-season friendly match against Norwich City.

A crowd of more than 2,000 is expected at Crown Meadow, generating revenue of around £15,000 - enough to clear the debts at a club which almost went out of business earlier this year.

The Blues' future was in doubt in January when they had two weeks to avoid a Revenue and Customs winding up order.

But the decks have been just about cleared - with City's visit taking them out of the red.

"This is an immense evening for us as a club as well as for the fans," said Gary Bennett, who has spearheaded the fund-raising campaign since being elected chairman earlier this year. This will take us out of the red and into the black.

"We have managed to clear £90,000 in debts and this will ensure that we start the season on an even keel. It is a huge weight off our shoulders."

Bennett (pictured) praised the Canaries for playing their part in Lowestoft's change of fortune.

"With everything like sponsorship and tickets sales and all the other things associated with the match we should make £15,000," he said. "Without that money we would have started the season still fighting like mad to raise more and money - but now we have got it, it means the team can start the season on level pegging with everyone else, it gives us a proper fighting chance.

"For a club like ourselves to have the support of one of the biggest clubs in the region is awesome. There were other clubs who would not entertain the idea of coming here, clubs we have had associations with in the past, they just weren't interested.

"I think those clubs should take note of what Norwich have done for us.

"The whole town is buzzing - I can't walk down the street without someone talking about it. And the interest from Norwich has been amazing as well. Ticket sales have been phenomenal."