LOWESTOFT TOWN 1 MERSTHAM 0

NEW LOWESTOFT boss Dale Brooks gained his first points at the third attempt with a narrow victory over Merstham to end a four-game losing streak.

In a lively opening quarter Lowestoft’s Adam Smith whistled a free-kick wide before they took a 15th minute lead.

A superb ball out of defence split the Merstham defence for Jacek Zielonka to race clear and slot home past keeper Chris Haigh.

There was no real goalmouth action until a flurry of activity in the closing seconds of the first half.

Trawlerboys keeper Ben Dudzinski saved well after Ryan Hall was played through and went full length to deny Michael Maynard-Menett.

In-between Cruise Nyadzayo’s header from Jake Reed’s cross flew across goal but just wide.

Merstham looked much more dangerous in the second period, winning numerous corners without having any worthwhile attempts at goal.

Lowestoft seemed content to soak up the pressure with their back four looking solid.

In added time Lowestoft became more adventurous and twice came close to a second goal.

Rossi Jarvis’s closerange effort was cleared off the line by Ryan Hall and moments later Reed delayed too long, allowing Haigh to save his shot.

STAR MAN: Jacek Zielonka (Lowestoft Town) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★