King's Lynn Town ground out an important victory at The Walks last night to maintain the pressure on league leaders St Neots Town, who they visit on Saturday.

A goal mid-way through the first half from the combative Luke Thurlbourne, and a late strike from skipper Jack Defty was enough to see off a determined Deeping side who more than held their own for long spells in this fixture.

Lynn's first chance fell to midfielder Danny White, who found himself one on one with visiting keeper Lee Crocket, who produced a stunning save to keep the scores level.

The visitors then stepped up a gear with Rob Hughes glancing a header wide and Mark Jones skipping past two home defenders before firing at Alex Street's midrift.

Thurlborne broke the deadlock as he burst from midfield to pass two defenders before blasting past Crockett from close range.

Liam Harrold hit the bar moments later as the visitors threatened again and Defty hit a post just on the interval as play remaining even.

The second half was a much quieter affair with the visitors being restricted to long range efforts and the home side enjoying possession but creating few chances.

Stephen Spriggs grazed a post and just as it was looking as if the Linnets would have to make do with a single goal victory Defty helped himself to his 31st goal of the season with a three-yard tap-in following substitute Chris Bacon's flick on, after a free-kick.