Hastings 2, Lowestoft Town 0

Lowestoft Town's indifferent form continued on the south coast as they slipped to another painful defeat.

The Blues were looking to bounce back from a run that had seen them take just one point from their previous three Ryman League Premier Division fixtures.

But they were up against it from the word go at Hastings, with the hosts going in front in the very first minute when a cross from the left was met by a brilliant volley from Scott Manning which gave keeper Andy Reynolds no chance as it flew into the top corner.

Hastings should have doubled their advantage when Reynolds parried a shot from Danny Ellis into the path of Zac Attwood but the home player failed to find the back of the net with the goal at his mercy.

A quick break then saw Tamer Tuna race clear but Reynolds made a diving save to keep his effort out.

Lowestoft were under real pressure and the hosts deservedly doubled their advantage on the half hour mark when a left wing corner found Manning, who nodded home his second goal of the game.

The visitors came more into the match in the second half but failed to create any clear-cut chances as their Sussex opponents deservedly took the points.

The result left Lowestoft still 10 points adrift of leaders Billericay and they now have just two games in hand.

• Lowestoft: Reynolds, Forbes, Smith, Fisk, Sinclair, Gaughran, Guentchev, Eagle, Frew (Stone), Henderson (Forshaw), Francis (Godbold). Subs not used: Ainslie, Okay.