Lowestoft Town 6, Romford 1: Although Lowestoft recorded an emphatic victory this was very much a game of two halves. In the first 45 minutes the Trawlerboys looked lacklustre, going in at the break all square.

Although Lowestoft recorded an emphatic victory this was very much a game of two halves.

In the first 45 minutes the Trawlerboys looked lacklustre, going in at the break all square.

Whatever was said in the dressing room at the break worked wonders as the Blues turned on the style in the second period to sweep visitors Romford away. There was an early upset for Lowestoft as a hefty challenge on Scott Mitchell after just eight minutes left him unable to continue, with Craig Bussens substituting.

There was a further upset for Lowestoft in the 14th minute as the lively visitors moved ahead.

Jack Barry made ground down the right and from his cross Toran Senghore knocked the ball back across goal for Kurt Smith to squeeze in at the near post.

Lowestoft's attempt to get on even terms saw Greg Crane set Gary McGee free but after rounding keeper Neil Finn his shot was headed clear by the diving Matt Toms.

Lowestoft were finding it difficult against the lively opponents but drew level in the 37th minute.

Adam Smith overlapped down the left and from his cross Matt Nolan's shot was blocked but Dale Cockrill pounced on the loose ball to drill home.

The equalising goal seemed to liven up the game with Matt Nolan releasing Gary McGee whose shot was saved by Neil Finn and Romford's Martin heed went one on one with Andy Reynolds but the Blues keeper saved the day.

Lowestoft may have been lacklustre in the first half but they were a different proposition after the break. Two goals in as many minutes put the Blues in control.

After 55 minutes Matthew Halliday played Dale Cockrill through and he used his strength to get past James Gammons but his shot hit the post for the alert Gary McGee to squeeze the rebound in from a narrow angle.

Two minutes later Craig Bussens cross from the right reached

McGee at the far post to stoop and head home.

Lowestoft were in full flow now and Matt Halliday picked out Joe Francis' run and he forced his way past Neil Finn to walk the ball into the net to put the Blues 4-1 up.

A Joe Francis free kick saw Finn produce the save of the match and Matt Nolan hooked a Craig Bussens cross just over the bar.

Bussens was revelling down the right and after another run he squared the ball to Francis whose 30-yard drive flew into the top corner of the net.

Matt Nolan fed Neil Plaskett who forced another fine save from Finn before McGee completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute by rounding the keeper to net under pressure from Matt Toms.

There was still time for substitute Darren Cockrill to have a goal ruled out for offside and both Matt Nolan and Gary Holt see efforts come back off the woodwork.

Lowestoft Town: Reynolds, Plaskett, A Smith (Sub Potter 72), Holt, Crane, Halliday (Sub Darren Cockrill 72), Mitchell (Sub Bussens 8), Dale Cockrill, Nolan, McGee, Francis, Subs (not used) Poppy, Fisk.

Romford: Finn, Barry, Neville, Truman, Toms, Gammons, Thomas (Sub Kavanagh 66), Heed, Smith, Senghore (Sub Burnett 59), Clayton (Sub Griffiths 82), Subs (not used) Portheroe, Mulrooney. Att: 782.