Lowestoft moved back into the top six with a solid display to win at 10-man strugglers Hendon on Saturday.

Chris Henderson's 12th minute strike proved enough for the Blues, and their task was made easier when Hendon's Dean Cracknell was red carded in the 25th minute for a foul on Blake Saker.

The display pleased Lowestoft joint-manager Ady Gallagher, who said: 'I am delighted to come away from here with the win.

'It was a hard-fought victory, but I am really proud of the effort put in by the players. We had to overcome a lot and it speaks volumes for the players' commitment.'

Gallagher admitted the Blues might have made things more comfortable as a succession of chances went begging: 'I was a little concerned,' he said.

'But we created so many more chances and the scoreline didn't reflect the balance of play.'

After a lively opening, Lowestoft created the first chance when Saker's cross was half-cleared to Henderson, whose sweet volley just cleared the bar.

Lee Smith was denied by home keeper Berkley Laurencin, but Lowestoft forged ahead soon afterwards. Scott Mitchell's cross from the right found Henderson and he beat Cracknell to the ball to score off the post.

Michael Frew should have doubled the lead moments later, but instead he headed over.

Cracknell was then dismissed and Lowestoft went in search of a second, with Joe Francis having a shot saved after latching on to Henderson's flick-on.

Hendon still posed a threat and before the break Jake Jessup's fingertip save diverted a shot onto the crossbar.

Lowestoft continued to create chances in the second half and Henderson had a free header from a corner, but sent his effort wide.

Francis shot narrowly off target from a free-kick and not for the first time, Smith and Henderson combined to carve out an opportunity, with Smith shooting wide.

Hendon's 10 men fought valiantly for an equaliser, but Luke Gambin headed over six minutes from time and the Blues held on to move above Bognor Regis – who they face at Crown Meadow this Saturday.

• Hendon: Laurencin, Wharton, McCluskey, Fisher, Brathwaite (Mazzone 69), Maclaren, Cracknell, Murray, Ngoyi (Rankin 69), Aite-Ouakrim (Diedhiou 46), Gambin. Subs not used: Hall, Kennedy

Sent off: Cracknell (25)

• Lowestoft Town: Jessup, Saker, Gaughran, Mitchell, Ainsley, Smith, Fisk, Jones, Francis, Henderson, Frew. Subs not used: Eagle, Cunningham, Cockrill, Okay, Nelson

Goal: Henderson (12)

• Attendance: 168