Blues 0 Lowestoft Town 1

A much changed Blues side were defeated as they bowed out of the City Security Services League Challenge Cup at the Second Round (last 32) stage in a MATCH SPONSORED BY HAVEN LOGISTICS.

Stuart Boardley brought Charlie Beckwith, Charlie Canham, Matt Rutterford and Matt Blake into the starting line-up as players were rested for Saturday's FA Trophy match with Melksham Town.

The first half saw clear cut chances hard to come by for either side. Armani Schaar put a good ball into the box after the first five minutes, but no Lowestoft striker could get on the end of it. Christy Finch was foiled by Elvijs Putnins, but his effort wouldn't have counted as the offside flag was raised. Patrick Brothers had a strike from distance, with the ball just clearing the crossbar, before Harry Knights' cross field pass found Kyle Hammond and he set up Christy Finch who smashed narrowly wide. Harry Knights blocked a Kieran Higgs attempt on the edge of the area, before the same player tried his luck again but Charlie Beckwith, who had an outstanding game in goal, saved down to his right hand side. Seb Dunbar won the ball on the left hand flank and strolled past a couple of away players but his shot was wide of Putnins left hand upright. Late on in the half, Beckwith pawed away a cross and Kieran Higgs put the rebound just off target.

Three minutes after half time, Christy Finch turned Kyle Hammond's corner into the side netting, but Leiston were struggling to make chances and to work Putnins in the Lowestoft goal. Charlie Beckwith palmed a corner over, while Seb Dunbar had another effort fly wide. Beckwith made a great triple save, twice denying Lowestoft striker Shaun Bammant, and turned Ben Fowkes' thumping shot away moments later. Joe Jefford headed wide at the other end from Hammond's corner. Just as it looked as though both teams might just have to settle for penalties, the Trawlerboys broke away to score in the 83rd minute after Seb Dunbar lost the ball and Ben Fowkes angled his low strike into Beckwith's bottom left hand corner. Beckwith made another super save to tip a long range effort onto the post as he was deservedly named man of the match, but it was Lowestoft who were worthy winners in the end who progressed to the next round.

Leiston host Melksham Town on Saturday in the Buildbase FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round at Victory Road.

FT - Blues 0 Lowestoft Town 1

Blues - Beckwith, Canham, Dunbar, Rutterford (Aitkens 84 mins), Jefford (Garrard 61 mins), Knights, Hammond, Moore, Blake, Finch (Davies 72 mins), Brothers. Sub not used - Garnham.

Lowestoft Town - Putnins, Tann, Wren, Blanchfield, Jarvis, Deeks, Schaar, Fisk (Pollock 45 mins), Bammant (Pinheiro 61 mins), Fowkes, Higgs. Subs not used - Hedge, Smith and Reynolds.

Match Sponsor HAVEN LOGISTICS Man Of The Match - Charlie Beckwith

Attendance - 173