Cash-strapped Lowestoft Town face an uncertain future – THOMAS CHAPMAN went along to see what the mood was like at the home of the Trawlerboys
Against a backdrop of severe financial difficulties, Lowestoft Town fans finally had an opportunity to demonstrate how determined they are for their club to survive.
Although Tuesday night's home match against high-flying Dulwich Hamlet provided a welcome distraction from off-the-pitch matters, it was – in all truth – overshadowed by a feeling of uncertainty.
With recent fixtures against Hendon and Wingate & Finchley postponed, the visit of the south London side was the first game since the extent of the Trawlerboys' money problems were revealed by the board of directors earlier this month.
'Save Our Club' banners greeted supporters as they shuffled through the turnstiles at the Amber Dew Events Stadium, while resolute campaigners swept the perimeter of the pitch with collection buckets.
Despite the less-than-ideal situation, there remained an air of optimism among the majority of the 378 fans who braved the cold to watch the Blues succumb to a 3-1 defeat against the Bostik Premier League table-toppers.
Leading the charge amid the period of financial turmoil is Helen Nixon, the club's fundraising committee chairman.
'The supporters here are absolutely brilliant and we need this club for the good of the town,' she said. 'I'm optimistic about the future; we just need the right information from the club so that we can understand the task at hand and work together as one going forward.'
Lewis Cleveland, a Blues supporter since a young boy, added: 'This wasn't too much of a shock but it's a real shame. It's not something you like to see happen to any club. It's good to see the buckets around the ground tonight; after all, every little helps. You'd like to think that the whole town is going to come together and help to try and save the club.'
Tonight will see the club host a supporters' meeting, where fans will hear more about the financial situation.
The concern among the Lowestoft faithful, though, is finding out what's going on behind the scenes and being able to make their feelings known.
'There's a lot we don't know, and won't know until Thursday night,' said Billy Snowling, another regular. 'I'm hoping we're going to be able to ask questions. I most certainly want to.'
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