Run of draws ends with defeat

The U’s slumped to a 4-1 defeat against Lowestoft Town after conceding twice in either half and remain third-from-bottom of the Ryman Football League Premier Division table.

United were whiskers away from taking a 10th minute lead when a Danny Ellis shot from just outside the box took a massive deflection and looped onto the crossbar, but four minutes later were grateful to a fine save from goalkeeper Daniel East to keep out Chris Henderson’s header at the other end.

Lowestoft did go in front on 18 minutes when Scott Manning lost out to Stuart Ainsley, who delivered an inviting cross from the Lowestoft left to the far post where big number nine Jack Defty headed home.

United equalised in the 36th minute. Manning delivered a low cross from the right into Zac Attwood, whose shot on the turn was parried by Lowestoft goalkeeper Andrew Plummer diving low to his right and Mikel Suarez tapped home the rebound for his third goal in as many home matches.

Lowestoft retook the lead in added time at the end of the first half. Lee Smith’s left wing corner was met by Defty’s thumping unopposed header from inside the six yard box.

United never really got going in the second half and fell further behind in the 73rd minute when Defty rolled the ball across the box for Henderson to clip a nice finish into the corner of the net. Josh Dawkin put the icing on the cake with a stoppage time fourth goal after a weak back header by Ben Judge.

United: East, Manning, Richardson, Crellin (Vickers 61), Ray, Judge, Ellis (Dixon 76), Okojie, Suarez, Attwood, Freeman (Camara 61). Subs not used: Carey, Cox. Attendance: 435.