A stunning first-half strike from Michael Clunan helped King's Lynn Town record their first away victory of the new campaign.

It was Brian Hughes' men – 4-1 winners over Paulton in midweek – who enjoyed the early spells of possession, with captain Leigh Henry heading a half-chance wide.

Lynn's first opportunity came after 12 minutes, when Lee Stevenson saw his shot deflected for a corner.

Former Mansfield Town striker Jake Speight looked a lively presence up front for the Linnets, and it was his run which almost saw him latch on to a through ball, before quick anticipation from Glyn Garner ensured the score remained 0-0.

Ryan Fryatt should have given the men in blue and gold the lead inside the first quarter, arriving late to send a fizzing shot which was excellently saved by the ex-Wales keeper.

The match needed a moment of magic to spark the contest into life, and Clunan provided it with a 40-yard goal in the 35th minute, an effort of which David Beckham would have been proud, as the ball sailed beyond the helpless Garner.

The goal woke up Cirencester, as they prompted and probed for a response, with Josh Parsons sending a stinging effort at Alex Street, before Zack Kotwica had a goal ruled out for offside.

The Centurions began the second half with more energy, but Gary Setchell's side could, and perhaps should, have doubled their advantage when full-back Jackson Ramm picked out Stevenson, who was only inches from connecting with the cross. Josh Parsons then went close after taking the ball round his opponent before lashing a shot into the side netting.

Hughes tinkered with his substitutes in an attempt to alter the game, bringing on the versatile Ross Langsworthy for Charlie Griffin, and midfielder Ben Wells for Brad Hooper.

Setchell took off the tireless Speight for Sam Mulready, with new signing Toby Hilliard replacing Liam Hurst.

Cirencester sub Ollie Knight almost equalised for the Centurions late on when his header came crashing off the bar.

Setchell's Linnets had to sustain late pressure in the closing stages, but held on to claim three much-needed points.