King's Lynn easily advanced in the FA Cup courtesy of a win over Lincoln United The Linnets began their attempt to repeat the epic FA Cup run of last season with a difficult hurdle at well placed Northern Premier League club Lincoln United.

King's Lynn easily advanced in the FA Cup courtesy of a win over Lincoln United.

The Linnets began their attempt to repeat the epic FA Cup run of last season with a difficult hurdle at well placed Northern Premier League club Lincoln United.

Although regular visitors to Ashby Avenue for pre-season friendlies this is the first time that the two clubs have met in a competitive game. The away draw meant that Lynn were on the road for the eighth successive match. The United side included three former Linnets players. Today's game is the Linnet's 213th post war FA Cup tie.

Lynn made one enforced change from last week's winning line up with Peterborough United having had a change of mind over allowing Adam Smith to play in the FA Cup.

He was replaced by fit again Steve Melton otherwise the starting line up was unchanged from last week as indeed was the bench.

This meant that John Turner was still sidelined with his hamstring injury while other injury victims Greg Crane and Shaun Carey were due to have a run out at Felixstowe with the Reserves.

The home side kicked off and an early cross from the right was well-claimed by Howie from a long punt down field by home goalkeeper Scott. Charlie Defty headed clear only for Scott Huckerby to fire the clearance just over the bar from 30 yards.

Lynn forced a corner after five minutes for West to play to play the ball to Francis whose deep cross to the back post saw Frew's diving header beaten away by home keeper Scott.

Lincoln returned to the attack and forced a corner which Chris Glabey, another former Linnet, headed just wide.

On 13 minutes Lynn took the lead when Frew turned his man only to be brought down.

From the free kick taken by Francis the cross was clearly handled by Chris Peet for which he was cautioned. Nolan took the kick and scored although Scott got both hands to the ball.

Butler was the first to go into referee Dudley's notebook following a foul on the ever-dangerous Frew.

A 40-yard run by Francis followed by a driven cross was only just missed by Nolan with Bloomfield equally close to the return ball as it was hammered across goal by Frew.

For Lynn Charlie Defty played a ball into the box from which Joe Francis shot well wide with his first time volley.

A chipped pass to Rodman was well headed clear by Chapman for Lynn as danger threatened the visitors' goal.

From a corner Charlie Defty headed clear for Lynn only for the ball to be returned and Howie was at full stretch to tip over the bar from Chris White's header.

Lynn replied in kind as this time it was Scott in the home goal to tip over a header from Frew from the corner taken by Francis before Warren put the Linnets two up with a low diving header this after 35 minutes.

Three minutes later the Linnets increased their lead when West won the ball at a throw passed to Frew, who beat his full back and drove over a low right wing cross which was superbly volleyed home by Nolan.

Just before the interval Nangle put in a dangerous ball for the home side which Howie under pressure from Jenkins did well to clear.

The last action of the half saw Nolan being fouled on the touchline from which Francis fired in a shot which Scott palmed away for a fruitless corner.

Half time: Lincoln Utd 0 King's Lynn 3.

The second half commenced with Lincoln making an immediate substitution Butler being replaced by Mellon.

First action for Lynn saw Nolan put Frances away on the left the winger's pull back to Nolan saw the Lynn centre forward turn with his low shot striking the foot of the post with home keeper Scott well beaten.

Lincoln then had a free kick Nangle headed goal wards with Howie at full stretch to tip the ball clear.

On 59 minutes Lynn made their first substitution with Fisk replacing Melton, Nolan had a chance to put throw with a clear run on goal but under hit the pass and a defender was able to make a challenge.

The Linnets now had a period of sustained pressure with Nolan through and Fisk all causing the home defence problems.

On 71 minutes Lynn made another substitution with Steve Spriggs replacing Michael Frew who had been a constant threat to the home side all afternoon.

The diminutive winger was soon into the action being only just over the crossbar with a delicate chip.

When Fisk was brought down Bloomfield won a corner from the free kick from which Warren got in a powerful header but was unable to keep the attempt on target.

Lincoln now brought on a third ex-Linnet as a substitute when Rob Norris replaced the hard working Rodman.

At this stage Lynn were well in control of the tie as their passing gained in assurance on 78 minutes.

Lynn made their third and final substitution when Jack Defty replaced Danny Bloomfield. Just after the substitution Mark Warren had to leave the field with what appeared to be a groin strain to leave the Linnets to play out the last 12 minutes with 10 men.

However they did not let the setback upset their rhythm and continued to play the ball on the floor.

As Francis received the ball this time on the left flank he cut inside and let fly with a fast shot which home keeper Scott saved at full stretch palming the ball out to Jack Defty whose return shot was blocked on the line as was the third effort from Nolan.

Norris had a rare attempt for Lincoln but was well wide with his effort. The home side had shown little sign of making a comeback from their half time deficit and Lynn were in completer control.

A West, Spriggs, Nolan move on the right saw the Linnets force their 10th corner of the game but it came to nothing, a lucky rebound gave Lincoln's Jon Douglas a chance of a consolation goal but he shot straight Howie who saved well. In Lynn's final attack Jack Defty gave Steve Spriggs a chance to turn at the defence and get in a cross but Andrew Fisk's goal attempt lacked power.

t Lincoln United: Scott, Huckerby, Butler, Peet, Glarvey, Brown, White, Rodman, Jenkins, Nangle, Wallace. Subs: Douglas, Norris, Mellon, Mallinson, Alldred.

t Kings Lynn: Howie, West, Chapman, Warren, C Defty, Camm, Frew, Melton, Nolan, Bloomfield, Francis. Subs: J Defty, Fisk, Spriggs, Murray.

t Referee: I Dudley, Mansfield Woodhouse.

t Attendance 271