Lowestoft Railway 1 Ipswich Cranes 2

Division 4NE

Lowestoft Railway 1 Ipswich Cranes 2

CRANES recorded an excellent win against a strong Railway side, two superbly taken goals the difference between the sides. Missing several first team regulars, Cranes expected a tough game but began the brighter of the two sides as Phill Larbey and Kieran Bromley worked well together at the back to dominate possession and provide a platform from which the midfield and forward lines could spring attacks.

It was one such attack that resulted in the opening goal; Robin Johnson continuing his stunning run of form to drive through the defence and produce a superb lobbed finish from an angle after his initial effort had been saved. Further half chances were squandered and Mark Campbell went close from a penalty corner but half time arrived with the lead intact.

Railway started the second half brightly, showing greater penetration than earlier and the Cranes defence needed to remain strong to withstand some early pressure. As Cranes tired their attacks were reduced to breakaway efforts one of which resulted in a penalty corner for the visitors.

When the pre-planned routine broke down Andy McManus gathered the ball and produced an outstanding combination of improvisation and technique to execute an expert drag flick with such force that a strong hand by the keeper could not keep it out. Railway dragged themselves back into the game with a penalty corner that Cranes would sooner forget and a flurry of yellow cards followed as both teams competed to secure something from the game in the final 10 minutes but in the end it was McManus's goal that separated the teams.

Man of the match: Kieran Bromley