WITHAM Town lost 2-1 at home to Pitching In Isthmian League division north leaders Lowestoft Town in a close contest, writes JIM PURTILL.

Both sides had numerous chances to claim the three points, in a match that could have gone either way.

In the end, an inspired 50th-minute goal by Lowestoft’s prolific scorer Luke Reed was enough to settle the outcome.

Witham striker Khris Oti shot wide after five minutes as the swirling wind made accurate passing difficult for both sides but the conditions suited Lowestoft’s passing game.

The visitors settled into an attacking rhythm after an indifferent opening.

Witham goalkeeper Harry Fairs saved at the feet of Reed, who missed a chance that he should have taken soon after.

Lowestoft enjoyed the majority of possession but Witham's more direct style nearly paid off twice in the first half hour when the pace of Josh Osude troubled the centre of Lowestoft’s defence.

Lowestoft took a 35th-minute lead from the penalty spot through Louie McIntosh.

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But their advantage only lasted five minutes as a Witham free-kick from the left was headed into the net by Archie McFadden.

However, five minutes after half-time Reed scored with an instinctive finish when a long ball reached him.

The goal led to a period of Lowestoft dominance and Fairs did well to save twice from the impressive Adam Hipperson in the space of ten minutes.

Osude came very close to equalising in the 69th minute. He chased a long ball and headed it over the advancing Lowestoft goalkeeper Luke Holt but central defender Travis Cole headed the ball out of the danger zone.

Witham’s Anton Matthews hit the top of the crossbar with a shot, three minutes later.

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Former Colchester youngster Harvey Sayer had an outstanding game for the visitors.

This was not Lowestoft at their best when moving forward but they were solid enough in midfield and defence to thwart the attacking efforts of the hosts.

Andrew Sesay proved a robust foil for Osude but the Witham attack was not incisive enough to find a way through the Lowestoft rearguard.

As the season has progressed Witham have shown themselves capable of challenging the best sides in the division.

An equaliser was beyond them but on another day they could have drawn level.

Manager Garry Kimble has built a promising young squad and if its core remains for the next campaign, they have every chance to build on this season’s foundation and finish in a good position.