Ilford 1, Lowestoft Town 3: With Greg Crane ill, Gary Holt was switched to a central defensive position with Gary McGee recalled to the attack as the Blues switched to a 4 4 2 formation.

Lowestoft Town returned from Ilford with another crucial three points in their bid to become Ryman League Division One North champions.

Joint manager Micky Chapman was delighted with the result. "There's still a long way to go but it's another game chalked off, another three points and another step closer to what we are trying to achieve.

"The boys were terrific - the attitude, the way they applied themselves and the way they played as well, they were first class," he added. "The pitch was very bumpy and uneven. All credit to the lads, they went out there and played some quality football."

"We went one down but we kept going and we got our reward with a goal by Gary Holt. We fully deserved our win, the boys were excellent."

The Blues will want to notch up another victory when they visit Brentwood Town tomorrow night.

Against Ilford, with Greg Crane ill, Gary Holt was switched to a central defensive position with Gary McGee recalled to the attack as the Blues switched to a 4 4 2 formation.

Scott Mitchell replaced Joe Francis on the left of midfield.

Lowestoft opened strongly and in the opening minutes Jamie Godbold's low cross was dummied by Matt Nolan but Scott Mitchell scooped

the ball high over the bar from

close range.

Neil Plaskett then presented Jamie Godbold with a clear chance but, with just the keeper to beat from six yards, the Blues captain placed the ball wide of the upright from a central position.

Lowestoft were stunned as Ilford took the lead with their first attack of the game in the eighth minute.

There seemed little danger as a high clearance fell towards Neil Plaskett near the halfway line.

But as he struggled to control the ball on the bumpy pitch Tom Nyamo nipped in to pinch the ball and race forward before playing it to Gavin Taylor, who sent the ball scorching into the top corner from 20 yards.

Lowestoft's attempts to get back on level terms saw Jamie Godbold and Andrew Fisk exchange passes before releasing Gary McGee who was denied in the act of shooting by a superb tackle from Jack Sawyer.

Ilford were playing a more

direct game and a run and chip by Samuel Sunday saw Andy Reynolds stretch to save.

In contrast, Lowestoft's more controlled approach was being dented by a final, too casual, pass which surrendered possession but the Blues took control in a

five-minute spell towards the end of the first half.

Firstly Neil Plaskett' perseverance won a right-wing corner and Jamie Godbold's flag-kick fell perfectly for the inrushing Gary Holt to volley home from six yards for the equalising goal in the 37th minute.

Boosted by the goal, Lowestoft attacked with more purpose and an Adam Smith free-kick took a wicked deflection off the defensive wall to just miss the target.

However, Lowestoft moved ahead in the 42nd minute.

Smith's excellent forward ball picked out Dale Cockrill's surging run into the area which was halted

by a reckless high tackle by keeper

Rob Budd, who was cautioned

before being beaten by Matt

Nolan's penalty.

The second half started with a Cockrill header marginally wide after a good build up from Nolan and Gary McGee.

Lowestoft sealed their win with a third goal in the 56th minute.

Smith's cross was knocked on by McGee and Cockrill to Godbold who shot home from six yards.

With Lowestoft in full control the game then petered out as a contest with little goalmouth action of note. Plaskett flashed a header inches too high from a Godbold corner.

A rare Ilford attack saw substitute Josh Coulson send in a header which Andy Reynolds had to stretch to tip over the bar.

Ilford: Budd, Newell, Sawyer, Simpson, West, Sunday, Nyamo, Adejokum, Taylor (Sub Coulson 60), Hawton (Sub Hewitt 65), Omogbehin, Subs (not used) Dawson, Appiah, Maynard.

Lowestoft Town: Reynolds, Plaskett, A Smith, Dale Cockrill, Holt, Halliday, Godbold (Sub Bussens 81), Fisk, Nolan (sub Bloomfield 69) McGee (sub Forshae 79), S Mitchell, Subs (Not used) Potter, Francis.

Attendance: 122.