LOWESTOFT lost for only the second time in the league this season as they slipped to a 3-1 Premier Division defeat at title rivals Leiston.A sensational volley from Damian Hilton gave the Blues an 18th minute lead, but that was to prove as good as it got for the visitors.

LOWESTOFT lost for only the second time in the league this season as they slipped to a 3-1 Premier Division defeat at title rivals Leiston.

A sensational volley from Damian Hilton gave the Blues an 18th minute lead, but that was to prove as good as it got for the visitors.

Chris Sillett nodded an equaliser 10 minutes later and the hosts were 2-1 up at the break after Stuart Boardley's long range effort deceived Lowestoft keeper Andy Reynolds.

The Blues pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, but Lee McGlone sealed the points for Leiston five minutes from time.

Lowestoft will be aiming to bounce back from this disappointment with a midweek game at home against Norwich United in the league on Tuesday.

Kirkley and Pakefield, who were without a game on Saturday, return to league action at Walmer Road on Wednesday when they entertain Woodbridge.