Nightmare home form continues for Lowestoft despite spirited fightback

Lowestoft's Rory McAuley puts the Staines goalkeeper under pressure. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Lowestoft were still without the injured Andrew Fisk but included two new signings on the bench in the shape of Alex Clarke from Southend United and Manu Machaya, both of whom had signed the day before.

Lowestoft were so close to opening the scoring after just 48 seconds but Jake Reed scooped the ball just too high from Harvey Hodd's searching cross. It was all downwards from then on during a first half dominated by the Swans with Elliott Buchanan, Mo Bettamer and Max Worsfold all failing to capitalise from good openings.

It was no surprise when Staines finally took the lead on the half hour although the goal had an element of good fortune about it as Worsfold's right wing corner dropped in the wind just inside the post. There was no fluke though about the second goal six minutes later as Bettamer's cross picked out Lewis Driver whose header looped over Ben Dudzinski but rebounded out off the bar but only to Buchanan who slammed it back into the net.

Lowestoft came out for the second period in a completely different frame of mind and had reduced the arrears within five minutes. Adam Smith's corner floated into the six-yard box where Rory McAuley stooped to head the ball home.

Lowestoft's Dan Humphries tries to get a cross in against Staines. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Lowestoft surged forward and levelled the scores in the 55th minute with Shaun Bammant hitting a screamer on the turn from 18 yards into the top corner of the net from Matty Foy's lay-off.

With their tails up Lowestoft looked for another and a sizzling effort from 20 yards by Harry Barker was tipped over the bar by Conor Hudnott.

Staines regained the lead in the 60th minute. Bettamer was allowed too much room on the edge of the box and although Dudzinski blocked his shot with an exceptional save Buchanan was again on hand to net the rebound.

Lowestoft were still not beaten and went close with a header from Travis Cole before they thought they had equalised again when McAuley again headed home, this time from a corner by Hodd, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.

Lowestoft Town's Harvey Hodd in action against Staines Town. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

With Lowestoft pushing men forward Staines were able to seal their victory with a fourth goal 10 minutes from time following a quick counter which ended with Bettamer heading in at the far post.

Lowestoft Town: Dudzinski, D Humphries, Barker (Machaya 85), Jarvis, McAuley, Cole, Hodd (Zielonka 69), Smith, Reed, Foy (Clark 62), Bammant. Subs not used: Wren, Putnins

Staines Town: Hudnott, Webb, B Brown, Hatton, Udoji, Nemhard, Driver (D Brown 83), Ahmidi, Buchanan, Bettamer (Hippolyte 90), Worsfold. Subs not used: Olawole, Martin, Miller-Rodney

Referee: Mr C Pearse

Action from Lowestoft Town's 4-2 defeat against Staines Town. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Attendance: 342

Action from Lowestoft Town's 4-2 defeat at home to Staines. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)