There were goals galore in Lowestoft Town’s opening pre-season friendly away to Dereham Town on Tuesday evening, mostly at the wrong end. In a typical pre-season friendly both managers made use of their full squads with the Blues using 17 players and Dereham 22.

With the benefit of two previous games under their belt Dereham looked the sharper side particularly in the first half whilst the Blues had 7 newcomers playing with the squad for the first time, 8 if you include Jon Lovelock who has only limited first team experience.

Dereham’s extra match fitness was apparent in the opening half which saw them score 3 goals inside the opening 30 minutes through Adam Smith, Paul Atkins and Sam Willis. The Blues made 4 changes in the back 5 at the interval and before they had settled conceded a further 2 goals in the opening 90 seconds of the second half.

Lowestoft started to put their game together better in the second period and reduced the arrears in the 65th minute. Ross King was brought down just outside the area to the right of the goal and the Blues Adam Smith sent the free kick low around the wall into the bottom corner to emulate his Dereham counterpart in netting his side’s first goal.

4 minutes later the Blues scores a second with Adam Smith sending Jamie Godbold away down the let and after reaching the byeline he crossed for Craig Bussens to rise high to score with a far post header.

There were three further goals in the final 10 minutes with Bussens played through the inside left channel to hold off defenders before shooting low past the keeper either side of further Dereham goals. Dereham’s second half scorers were Danny Beaumont (2), Robbie Harris and Luke Frew.

Terry Lynes

Match Information

Score: Dereham Town - 7      Lowestoft Town - 3

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