Lowestoft Town 2 Kingstonian 1: Jake Reed at the double for in-form Blues

Mitchell Gough pulls one back for Kingstonian. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

However, unlike the previous week when their attacking flair was evident, this week it was a case of their defensive resilience coming to the fore as they withstood some fierce Kingstonian pressure before claiming the points.

Lowestoft were forced to make one change to the start line up with Callum White, recovered from a midweek sickness bug, replacing the unavailable McAuley with skipper Travis Cole moving to the centre of defence.

Lowestoft came flying out of the blocks and in only the second minute of the game Jacek Zielonka sent a 25 yards free kick crashing against the bar after a foul on Jake Reed. The Trawlerboys again went close following a Zielonka corner with Sam Borrer's near post header saved at the foot of the post by Rob Tolfrey who required lengthy treatment before being able to resume.

After weathering that early storm Kingstonian started coming more into the game as the match settled into a midfield battle with defences generally on top.

Travis Cole and Noel Mbo battle for possession. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

The game burst into life again just past the half hour as a surging run into the area by Cruise Nyadzayo saw his low cross deflected into the path of Harvey Hodd who blazed high over the top from 10 yards. Kingstonian themselves also had a great chance minutes later when Bi-Le Tiesse-Smith's long throw fell to Paul Rogers whose volley flew inches over the bar.

The half finished on a touch of controversy when Rogers' high boot caught Cole in the face and Jake Reed stepped up to slot home the resultant penalty to give Lowestoft a half-time lead.

Kingstonian were fired up at the start of the second half and soon forced Ben Dudzinski into his first serious action as he flew across his goal to claw away a superb header from Noel Mbo. Lowestoft were finding it difficult to get out of their own half at this stage with Tom Collins sending in numerous crosses. From one of these centres Tom Derry saw his header smack against the crossbar.

Kingstonian were finally hit by a classic counter attack in the 68th minute as Zielonka was played away down the right flank and sent in a perfect low cross for Reed to slot home for his second goal of the match.

Travis Cole receives a blow to the face at Lowestoft were handed a penalty, which Jake Reed converted. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Zielonka turned from hero to villain 10 minutes later as he needlessly conceded a free kick to the right of the Town area. From Collins' free kick Mitchell Gough rose high to head home at the far post. This led to an anxious last quarter as the visitors sensed an equaliser but the resilient Trawlerboys' defence held firm to record their second consecutive victory.

Lowestoft Town: Dudzinski, White, Barker, Smith, Cole, Leacock, Zielonka, Borrer, Reed, Hodd, Nyadzayo (Greenleaf 63). Subs not used: Westlake, Wren, Putnins.

Kingstonian: Tolfrey, Goode, Tiesse-Smith, Rogers, Gough, Gogonas, Fiddes, Derry, Mbo (Alderson 63), Collins, Haysman. Subs not used: Green, Laurent.

Referee: P Quick

Two-goal hero Jake Reed battles for possession. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Attendance: 391

Kingstonian players weren't happy with the referee's decision to award a penalty to Lowestoft. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Lowestoft's Harry Barker holds off a Kingstonian challenge. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Lowestoft's Sam Borrer takes control against Kingstonian. Picture: Shirley D Whitlow (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)