Michael Clunan paid tribute to Linnets new boy Cameron Norman as the new season began in fine style at The Walks.
Clunan – the 23-year-old Lynn skipper – set the ball rolling with a third-minute penalty with Craig Parker adding a second five minutes before half-time.
Norman, the latest of manager Ian Culverhouse's summer signings, played a significant role in the build-up to the penalty, given after a foul on Ryan Hawkins, but it was his contribution to the second goal which really caught the eye.
The 21-year-old right back, released by Norwich City a year ago, mixed brain and brawn as he skipped past tackle after despairing tackle to progress into the area and to the byline, before sliding a low cross for Parker to knock home from close range. When scorer and players rush to congratulate the one who makes the 'assist' you know it's good – and it was.
Norman is strong, but that shouldn't overshadow the finesse.
'I thought he was brilliant today,' said Clunan, two years Norman's senior but a familiar face from his own days at City. 'I knew Cam from my younger days. He is big and powerful and another good addition to the team. He came in quite late in pre-season but he has settled in so quickly. The lads have made him feel welcome and I thought he had a brilliant game today.'
Lynn's two-goal interval lead was the least they deserved: had Michael Gash not been out of luck it might have been wider – the striker seeing efforts ruled out for offside and handball.
The difficult second half saw Gosport provide some resistance but they rarely threatened. Lynn had chances to add to their tally – a brilliant lob by Ryan Hawkins would have been the icing on the cake.
King's Lynn: Street, Norman, Fryatt, Gaughran, Blake-Tracy, Jarvis, Clunan, Parker, Hawkins (Warburton 80), Gash (Hilliard 75), Mettam (Siddons 75). Subs not used: Ward, Whayman, Booked: Gash (handball). Goals: Clunan 3 pen, Parker 40.
Gosport: Grey, Saidy (Breed 74), Leigh, Dawson, Medway , McCarthy, Buse, Roach, Przespolewki, Mitford (Smith 74), Vine (Granger 45). Subs not used: Lis, Kimber.
Ref: C Walchester (Lowestoft)
Attendance: 827
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