Two goals in two minutes helped King's Lynn to another vital three points in their promotion push. Strikes from Sam McMahon and Luke Fell handed the home side the victory against Banbury at the Walks.

Two goals in two minutes helped King's Lynn to another vital three points in their promotion push.

Strikes from Sam McMahon and Luke Fell handed the home side the victory against Banbury at the Walks.

Linnets manager Keith Webb juggled his resources ahead of this afternoon's important home league fixture with Banbury United.

Skipper Mark Warren returned to action following a lay-off with a calf injury. Sam McMahon made his first start following a lengthy hamstring lay-off and Jack Defty retained his place in the side at the expense of Matt Nolan who was rested to the bench.

Steve Melton also returned to action after missing Tuesday's league victory at Halesowen.

The home side began brightly controlling the game in all areas of the pitch.

Defty was first in on the action testing Judge from distance. Fell then swung in a dipping corner which was headed goal-wards by Crane which forced Judge into a fine diving save.

Defty then produced a cross-cum-shot which the marauding Frew failed to connect by inches.

The Puritans responded with the raiding Kinch swinging in a well flighted cross which was met by Gardener whose headed effort forced Crichton into action for the first time of the afternoon.

The action quickly reverted to the other end with West's accurate cross only just clearing Judge's bar and then Melton producing superb control before unleashing a cracking shot which took the paint from Judge's left-hand post.

The goal that had definitely been coming duly arrived on the 30 minute mark.

Defty's accurate knock down found McMAHON on the edge of the area who had time to control the ball before sending a controlled shot past Judge to put his side a goal to the good.

Two minutes later and the Linnets had doubled their lead with a stunning of piece of football.

West and Frew linked well with the latter sliding a simple ball to LUKE FELL who produced a cool finish from 10 yards.

Banbury showed they were not going to go down without a fight as the away attacking duo of Forinton and Beaird combined with the latter forcing Crichton into a sharp save.

Shortly before the break Fell again tried his luck from range with his shot hitting Jackson.

The ball again fell to Fell who produced a cross which was met by Melton who produced an acrobatic overhead kick which went wide of it's intended target.

Half time: King's Lynn 2, Banbury United 0.

With his side trailing by two goals at the interval visiting manager and former Oxford united player Kevin Brock reinforced his defence in bringing on substitutes Blossom and Redknapp for Jackson and Lamb.

The home side continued to dominate possession with home manager Keith Webb also able to reshuffle his resources with his side comfortably in control.

He decided to replace Defty with Nolan and Fell was also replaced by Fisk with the manager possibly having one eye on Saturday's long trip to Yate town.

On 67 minutes Frew found fellow substitute Nolan and with only keeper Judge to beat rolled the ball across goal his effort missing the far post by inches.

Fisk and Nolan played a delightful one-two which allowed third substitute Notman the chance to extend his side's lead however the former Norwich City man put his shot over the bar from around 25 yards.

Lynn captain Warren became referee Ross's only caution of the afternoon as he was booked for blocking Pond's attempted run into the Linnets' penalty area.

Pond got up and dusted himself off to deliver an inswinging free kick which was met by the head of onrushing forward Baird. Crichton however was equal to the effort and produced an outstanding save to keep his side's two goal lead intact.

With time running out visiting number 11 Gardener had a mazey run which allowed him to again test Crichton who again dealt well with the chance.

This win guarantees that the Linnets keep the pressure very much on leaders Bath City with Lynn now embarking upon free difficult away trips before they again the home comforts in mid March.

t King's Lynn: Crichton, West, Blois, Warren, Crane, Camm, Fell, McMahon, J Defty, Frew, Melton Subs: Notman, Nolan, Fisk, C Defty, McAnally

t Banbury: Judge, Robinson, Kinch, Sulivan, Jackson, Pond, Stanbridge, Lamb, Forinton, Baird, Gardner Subs: Blossom, Redknapp, Bridges

t Referee: S Ross, Lincolnshire. Att: 917