King's Lynn Town defender Matt Castellan says he is living the dream playing for his hometown club after helping them bounce back to winning ways.

Castellan was one of a number of shining lights as the Linnets moved to within the cusp of the play-offs with a 2-0 victory over Chesham United at The Walks.

First-half goals from Michael Clunan and Sam Mulready saw Lynn home in a game which Castellan and his fellow defenders were outstanding.

Castellan, who turned 21 on Saturday, said: 'Playing for your hometown team is unbelievable, it's like a mini dream for me.

'I used to watch them as a kid on the terraces and used to think that one day that could be me and now it is. It's great and I just want to do my best for the club when I'm out on the pitch.'

Castellan, who arrived at the club from Thurlow Nunn Premier outfit Swaffham earlier in the season, has had to remain patient before getting his chance to prosper.

'When I first came to the club I wasn't expecting to play having stepped up two leagues,' said the youngster.

'I've had to get myself a lot fitter. This level is more physical and you have to be more switched on.

'I've got two experienced players in front of me, but you always have to believe in your own ability.'

Castellan's latest opportunity arrived on Tuesday night with the Linnets trailing 3-0 to Merthyr at half-time.

'I thought to myself on Tuesday that if I could have a good half then I might have a chance of playing against Chesham.

'I wanted to put a few doubts in Gary Setchell's mind and I think I must have done that.'

One of Castellan's first duties as a 21-year-old was to take on the guile and experience of former Premier League striker Barry Hayles.

Former Fulham frontman Hayles, now 43, hardly got a sniff for Chesham with Castellan and fellow centre-halve Kern Miller marking him out of the game.

'I didn't focus my game around him (Barry Hayles) as I always back my own ability really,' said Castellan.

'I hadn't really seen him play in the Premier League as I was too young. Gaugh's (Sam Gaughran) told me what to expect and to me he was just another striker.'

Clunan opened the scoring with a stunning half-volley from 20 yards before turning provider with a free-kick for Mulready to clinch the point.

King's Lynn: Street, R Fryatt, Yong, Miller, Castellan, Bridges, Clunan, Hurst, Zielonka, Stevenson (L Fryatt 85), Mulready (Edge 75). Subs not used: Gaughran, Simpson.

Goals: Clunan 12, Mulready 32.

Chesham: Gore, Gater (Smith 60), Little, Beasant, Ujah, Youngs, Pearce, Taylor (Eames 82), Blake, Hayles (Bossman 62), Wilson.

Booked: Gater, Beasant, Taylor.

Attendance: 490.

Referee: G Russell (Kettering).