Cray Wanderers 1, Lowestoft Town 1

Lowestoft Town had to settle for a point in Kent last night after looking to have sealed what would have been a fine Ryman League victory when going ahead with only 11 minutes to play.

Neither side had seen much sight of goal during a gruelling Premier Division battle.

So when Chris Henderson was sent crashing by the Cray goalkeeper as he swept past him following a great through ball by Scott Mitchell, there was every reason for Dale Cockrill to believe he was stepping up to win the game from the spot.

But within a minute of Cockrill having confidently converted the penalty, the Trawlerboys were guilty of fatally switching off as they tried to defend a corner – allowing home centre-back Joe Vines to stab the ball over the line.

Lowestoft had started the game showing no signs of their long journey, dominating possession for the opening ten minutes and creating a couple of half chances.

Cray came back to create have their own period of domination, but again they rarely worried Plummer in the Blues goal.

It was a similar story for most of the second half as both sides struggled to get hold the ball for any length of time – although Jack Defty did his best to cause problems for the home defence with some strong runs and fine touches.

The first chance of any note came shortly before the breakthrough goal – and was a little like a preview for how the penalty was won, although this time Henderson got away from the keeper only to see his narrow-angled shot fly into the side netting.

New signing from Needham Market Sam Newson came on to make his debut up front in place of Michael Frew for the final ten minutes, but was unable to make much impression.

Earlier, Danny Cunningham had been replaced by Cockrill after injuring his ankle late in the first half.

Having played five of their last six games away the Blues are at home to Wealdstone on Saturday.

Lowestoft Town: Plummer, Saker, Williams, Gaughran, Eagle, Henderson, Mitchell, Okay, Cunningham (Cockrill 44), Frew (Newson 80), Defty. Subs: Fisk, Jones, Jessup. Att: 109.