K’s put three in Trawlerboys’ net
Andre McCollin struck twice as Ks rebounded from their 5-2 mauling at Wealdstone in perfect style.
The trip to pre-season title favourites Lowestoft Town was always likely to be one of the season's toughest but the win was the perfect way to restore Ks' confidence after the harrying midweek reverse.
McCollin had initially looked a touch short of fitness on returning from his three match ban but was back to his best against the Trawler Boys, with his sixth and seventh goals of the season taking him to the top of the Ryman League's golden boot race.
His first came on just ten minutes, when Matt Pattison picked him out with a free kick and he fired past goalkeeper Jake Jessup.
Ks' past trips to Crown Meadow had been characterised by having to withhold a barrage of early pressure, but that never materialised on this occasion as Ks defended far more strongly than in recent weeks.
Mark Hams picked out central midfielders Matt Somner and Simon Huckle and centre-backs Kieron Murphy and Gary MacDonald out for praise post-match, crediting them with stifling Lowestoft's creativity.
It wasn't until the 26th minute that the home side really tested Rob Tolfrey when he had to tip a Lee Smith effort over. The same player had a shot blocked shortly afterwards but was offside anyway before Tolfrey denied Chris Henderson.
The breakthrough came on 45 minutes though when Joe Francis turned in the rebound after Henderson's effort was blocked on the line.
When they conceded to Wealdstone in midweek Ks' heads seemed to drop badly; this time, however, the reaction was perfect. Pattison fired home a 25-yard volley almost immediately after the restart, giving Jessup no chance of preventing what will surely be a contender for goal of the season.
But if Ks fans were expecting 45 minutes of holding on after the break, they were much mistaken. Tolfrey repelled efforts from Robert Eagle and Jack Defty but Pattison forced Jessup to save a free kick before McCollin sealed the game on 79 minutes.
His pace helped him get to a ball over the top and he calmly slotted the ball past Jessup on his left foot.
Substitute Danny Cunningham forced a late save from Tolfrey but Lowestoft could fashion little else allowing Ks to take all three points on the long journey back to London.
Report: Simon Grier
