King's Lynn 1 Hitchin 0

King's Lynn 1 Hitchin 0

Manager Keith Webb yet again juggled his resources as the Linnets embarked upon the second of the three bank holiday matches on a gloriously sunny Walks afternoon.

Andre Fisk returned to the starting line-up after being left out of Thursday evening's 1-1 draw at Wealdstone at the expense of Jamie Gould who took his place on the bench. Up front Jack Defty returned to replace Matt Nolan who had picked up a virus.

It was the home side who started brightest with Melton in close succession heading the ball over the bar after on both occasions crosses in by O'Halloran. However, Hitchin looked dangerous in patches with centre forward Jaggard robbing home skipper Warren in his own area and the home skipper was grateful to see Howie gather the ball from close range. On 17 minutes the Linnets took the lead in bizarre circumstances. West's deep cross from the right hand side completely deceived visiting keeper Beckwith who decided to leave the ball thinking it was about to cross over the bar. However, the ball somehow held up which allowed Jack Defty the easiest of chances to nod the ball home from just under the bar. This early goal clearly gave Lynn heart with Defty again on 24 minutes being denied by Beckwith from close range after a good spell of Lynn pass and move. On a brief foray into the Lynn half Hitchin earned themselves a free kick as Warren handled the ball on the edge of his own area. Deeney's free kick was blocked by the Lynn defence and they quickly turned defence into attack as a swift passing movement set Bloomfield away but the tiny front man's effort lacked direction and power. Defty again fancied his chances shortly afterwards from distance but his shot was well wide. On 40 minutes visiting midfielder Stevenson was booked for a rash challenge on Camm. Jaggard again went close from only two yards as he again capitalised on a Warren error. Right on the stroke of half time O'Halloran's effort from the edge of the box was gathered by Beckwith as the home side looked to turn long spells of domination into goals.

Half time: King's Lynn 1, Hitchin 0.

The Linnets began the second half just as they had finished the first - searching for the all-important second goal. Camm gained a great position on the right hand side which allowed him to whip in a perfect delivery which unfortunately for him and his side was missed by both Bloomfield and O'Hallorn at the near post. The action again reverted to the other end with Stevenson firing a hard low free kick straight at the Lynn wall. Long periods of the half were spent in midfield with Lynn having far more possession but being unable to create many worthwhile chances. Fullback West found himself in an advanced position which allowed him a cross into the area but again the combination of Childs and Prater for the away side cleared the danger for a corner which again turned out to be fruitless.

As the game entered its final throes Hitchin sensed a chance of an equaliser. Substitute Paul Scanlon had Howie scrambling with an effort that just cleared the bar.

As the game entered its last four minutes the pressure on the Linnets goal became intense. Visiting full back Deeney sent in a dipping half volley which cleared the home bar by inches. Moments later visiting sub Orphanou found himself clear but the assistance raised flag snuffed out his chance.

On a rare venture into the Hitchin penalty area Melton's effort was blocked by Deeney and with time running out Orphanou got away a low hard drive which was deflected away by a mixture of Howie and Warren for a late corner.

The in-swinging corner was sent in to the Linnets penalty area by Cunnington which resulted in a breathtaking finger-tip save by Howie which ensured that the three points remained in Norfolk.

Result: King's Lynn 1 Hitchin 0.

King's Lynn: Howie, West, Blois, Warren, Crane, Fisk, O'Halloran, Camm, J Defty, Bloomfield, Melton. Subs: Frew, C Defty, Hammond, Gould, Marshall.

Hitchin: Beckwith, Deeney, Childs, Gentle-King, Prater, Stevenson, Lamacraft, Standen, Jaggard, Charles, A Scanlon. Subs: Cretton, Darkin, Cunnington, P Scanlon, Orphanou.

Referee: D Plowright (Mansfield).

Attendance 857.