LOWESTOFT TOWN 2 AFC HORNCHURCH 0
Lowestoft Town got their season up and running in the Ryman Premier Division last night with a comfortable victory over AFC Hornchurch.
Blues joint boss Micky Chapman called on his side to bounce back from defeat on the opening day against Carshalton Athletic and they did exactly that thanks to goals in either half from Jamie Godbold and Matt Halliday.
It was nothing less than the Trawlerboys deserved who had to negotiate the last 15 minutes with 10 men after Dale Cockrills straight red for an X rated challenge.
Town made the quicker start and Godbold epitomised the sense of purpose within the home ranks in the first minute when he chased down a lost cause before shooting wide from a tight angle.
Danny Bloomfield had a fantastic chance to break the deadlock in the 14th minute when Adam Smiths excellent free-kick found the striker unmarked in the six-yard area but he couldnt keep his header down.
Town were not having it all their own way however and AFC Hornchurchs Tommy Black showed glimpses of his former prowess on several occasions.
The former Arsenal and Crystal Palace man cleverly ghosted past both Smith and Scott Mitchell midway through the half but nobody had gambled on him providing a cross and the chance went begging.
Lowestoft were doing their best to get their passing game going and it almost paid off six minutes before the break when Bloomfield and Smith exchanged passes resulting in the full-back making good progress inside the Hornchurch penalty area but his left-footed effort, which looked destined for the back of the net, was blocked.
Lowestoft did get their reward however in time added on at the end of the half thanks to Godbold. Cockrills long ball forward caused confusion in the Hornchurch defence and the sharp looking Lee McGlone benefitted.
The former Leiston man laid the ball off to Godbold, who kept his composure to slot past Darren Behcet and give his side the lead at the interval.
Lowestoft still looked the more likely in the second-half and Mitchell almost put the game beyond doubt in the 69th minute when his 25-yard screamer smacked against the crossbar.
Godbold kept the danger alive and his cross was flicked on by McGlone to Bloomfield whose header was well saved by Behcet.
There was controversy soon after when Cockrill was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge on away skipper Elliot Styles and referee Lee Betts had no hesitation in sending the midfielder for an early bath.
The Town management immediately sent on Halliday for Bloomfield to protect their lead but the former Norwich City youngster actually put the game beyond doubt in the 77th minute.
Godbolds in-swinging corner found the defender unmarked at the back post and he showed the composure of a seasoned striker by placing a controlled volley past the keeper from eight yards.
The referee evened up the numbers in injury time when he gave Martin Tuohy his marching orders for a second yellow card after a late challenge on Reynolds.
