Deeks on the spot as Lowestoft stretch unbeaten run

Lowestoft Town player Ben Fowkes in possession against Banbury United's Lee Henderson Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Banbury started at a brisk pace and were looking for an early breakthrough as the Trawlerboys struggled to retain possession. The lively Ravin Shamsi and Giorgio Rasulo were seeing a lot of the ball, well supported by Matthew Taylor, but their final cross into the area was ineffective.

Very much against the run of play Lowestoft took the lead in the 19th minute with their first real attack of the afternoon. A quick counter-attack ended with Reed being brought down in the penalty area by Harry Whitehead. Connor Deeks stepped up to hit the spot kick high to Jack Harding's left.

Spurred on by the goal, Lowestoft seemed to grow in confidence and a fine Wilkinson cross saw Adam Tann send a far-post header in to the side netting.

Banbury came back into the game and should have levelled as Taylor's cross fell to Ricky Johnson whose close-range effort was blocked by Elvijs Putnins and from only two yards out Steve Diggins lifted the loose ball high over the bar.

Lowestoft's Henry Pollock challenges Edmond Hottor Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

As the first half came to an end Lowestoft enjoyed a spell on top with Hughes' effort from the edge of the area turned around the post by Harding. Reed then beat Harding in a chase for a through ball but after knocking it over the keeper he was beaten to the ball by Charlie Wise.

Lowestoft started the second half better and a Wilkinson free-kick was headed over his own bar by Johnson. Deeks was not far wide from 30 yards and a Josh Curry effort was cleared off the line with Harding beaten.

Lowestoft: Putnins, Curry, J Wilkinson, Barker, Tann, Cole, Pollock, Deeks, Reed, Fowkes (Fisk 70), Hughes (Smith 79). Subs not used: Wren, Hedge, Bammant.

Banbury: Harding, Taylor, Wise, Shamsi, Hawtin, Hotter, Johnson, Diggin, Henderson, Whitehead (Kaziboni 74), Rasulo, Subs not used: Sambrook, Nash, Awadh, Odhiambo.

Lowestoft Town scorer Connor Deeks is beaten to the aerial ball by Banbury United captain Ricky Johnson Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Ref: J Crofts. Att: 407

Lowestoft's Jack Wilkinson keeps a close eye on Charlie Hawtin's progress Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Lowestoft Town will look to Jake Reed to lead from the front once again against Halesowen on Tuesday evening. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Jake Reed was in the goals again for Lowestoft Town as they welcomed Halesowen to the Amber Dew Events Stadium Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)