Lynn were unable to halt the seemingly unstoppable force that is FC United as the title favourites increased their lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division, writes Mark Hearle.

This game followed a pattern that is becoming very familiar to all of those connected with Town this season. The impressive Shelton Payne gave the hosts the lead on seven minutes with a goal that showcased his deceptive pace and calm finishing.

The Linnets managed to hang on and equalised with a spectacular goal from David Bridges that saw Lynn's player-coach score with an overhead kick which keeper Dave Carnell could do nothing about.

However, parity only remained for five minutes as Payne turned provider for Craig Lindfield who turned the ball past Alex Street from close range with only minutes remaining of the half.

To their credit the Linnets controlled the opening 20 minutes of the second period. Bridges' 18-yarder needed Carnell to push the ball onto his left post with Dean Stott completing the clearance. David Bell's free-kick saw Henry Eze climb high sending in a header which Carnell tipped over. Had either of these chances have hit the net it could have been a different story for Town looking for only their third away league win on the road this season. However, the home side had other ideas and on what was a rare foray forward substitute Greg Daniels ensured all three points would be staying in Manchester with a strike from inside the box which beat Street comfortably and condemned Lynn to a third straight defeat.

Boss Gary Setchell must now rally his troops for the challenge that lies ahead over the remaining few weeks of the season, beginning with the visit of Matlock to The Walks tomorrow. He will know that his team must begin to convert good possession into winning results to ensure a comfortable end to a season that has encompassed the full range of emotions.

Of concern also for Setchell will be the two injuries collected by Peter Winn (calf) and Ryan Fryatt (toe). Both had to be replaced in the first half and will be assessed tomorrow.

FC United: Carnell, Stott, Payne, Birch, Lacy , Ashworth, Wolfenden (Daniels), Byrne (Fallon), Greaves (Brown), Wright, Lindfield. Unused subs: Fox, Lynch. Goals: Payne (7), Lindfield (39), Daniels (76).

Lynn: Street, Ramm, Yong, Watson, Fryatt (Eze), Quigley, Bell, Bridges, Frew (Zielonka), Mulready, Winn (Spriggs). Unused subs: Stocker, Colman. Goal: Bridges (34).

Ref: Jane Simms

Att: 2,458

Video highlights provided by FC United's YouTube channel.