Linnets manager Tommy Taylor admitted he was relieved no league points were at stake after watching his defence gift Grantham victory in the final dress-rehearsal before this weekend's British Gas Business Southern League kick-off.

Grantham Town 4, King's Lynn 2

Linnets manager Tommy Taylor admitted he was relieved no league points were at stake after watching his defence gift Grantham victory in the final dress-rehearsal before this weekend's British Gas Business Southern League kick-off.

A three-goal burst in 10 minutes, early in the second half saw the Linnets finish a well-beaten side.

The hosts took the lead on 12 minutes as Jason Turner found himself unmarked at the back post to tap in a low Doug Wade centre.

Impressive triallist Frazer Toms equalised on the half hour with a fine individual effort before inadequate defending at the other end undid his good work.

Turner looped in an easy header and full-back Nathan Morris got in on the fun with a bungled effort from close range following a Wade corner.

Turner completed his hat-trick with an impressive finish past an over-exposed Shaun Marshall in the Lynn goal before Lee Hyde gained a Linnets consolation.

“We need to be strong and defend solidly,” said Taylor. “We also need to grow up and begin to take responsibility.”

With both first choice centre halves, Grant Cooper and Mark Warren, suspended for Saturday's opener against Halesowen at The Walks, the onus will fall on Hyde and Mark Camm to perform.

“They will do a job - end of story,” said Taylor. “I know they won't let me or the team down.”

Former Canary Alex Notman had a quiet hour before he was replaced but fellow triallist Toms completed an impressive 90 minutes and Taylor is keen to retain the services of the ex-Barnet winger.

“It's difficult for Alex coming in at this stage,” concluded Taylor. “He hasn't played competitively for a while now but we will have a look at him in training on Tuesday.

“Frazer had a good 90 minutes. In fact it was his first full game for almost two years. We need a left sided player and a wide man and he definitely fits that criteria.”

t Grantham: Walker, Morris, Weale, Sturgess, Julian, Bonser, Wade, Robinson, Douglas, Turner, Wilson. Subs: Rodman, Sneddon, Bellingham, Davis, Maddison, Speed.

t King's Lynn: Marshall, West, Camm, Hyde, Cooper, Carey, Defty, Notman, Frew, Toms, Kennedy. Subs: Nolan, O'Halloran, Atkins, McMahon.