King's Lynn 1, Hitchin Town 0Keith Webb's battle-weary troops travel to Rugby hoping that Saturday's victory will spur them to their first away win since mid-February.

King's Lynn 1, Hitchin Town 0

Keith Webb's battle-weary troops travel to Rugby today hoping that Saturday's victory will spur them to their first away win since mid-February.

Jack Defty's headed effort on 17 minutes was enough to see off the visiting Canaries in a match played in glorious sunshine on a dry, dusty pitch.

Webb has often stated that at this stage of the season it's only the result that matters, and Saturday's match only underlined that.

The Linnets fought hard, but, despite bossing the game for long spells, very few scoring chances were created and with Hitchin seemingly on a damage limitation exercise there was little for a decent Walks' crowd to enthuse over.

"It was a scrappy game, but I felt in the first half especially we should have taken more of our chances and in patches we played well," said Webb.

"Overall, I'm pleased that we have managed to take four points from the last two matches.

"Three points is three points and again that's all that concerns me at the moment. I am aware at the moment that people are moaning about players and performances are not like they were earlier in the season. I know that, but what supporters must understand is that now it's a different environment and a different situation.

"There is an awful lot of pressure on the lads to do the business."

Webb restored Andrew Fisk to the starting line-up at the expense of Jamie Gould, who took a place on the bench. With Matt Nolan under the weather Defty took over the number nine shirt. Matt O'Halloran started brightly on the Lynn right, delivering two crosses to Steve Melton who failed to test Robert Beckwith with either.

At the other end, experienced Gavin Jaggard picked Mark Warren's pocket but found newly-signed keeper Scott Howie equal to his effort.

The game's only goal arrived a minute later in bizarre circumstances. Dean West sent in what looked to be a high, hopeful punt which deceived Beckwith, who stayed at home and allowed Defty the simplest of headers from just under the bar.

The Linnets again produced a good passage of pass and move which freed Defty, but his final shot was tame and shortly before the break O'Halloran tested Beckwith from 18 yards, the keeper gathering comfortably.

Towards the end of the match Hitchin briefly emerged from their shell, with full-back David Deeney's dipping half volley just clearing Howie's bar.

Seconds later Howie reacted quickly to Scott Orphanou's angled drive and deep into time added on Linnets hearts were firmly in mouths as Adam Cunnington's wicked corner was fingertipped to safety by the big Scotsman to preserve the home lead.

Webb is expected to name an unchanged side for today's trip to Butlin Road.

Mark Warren will have a late fitness test on an ankle knock and Matt Nolan will be assessed following illness. The Linnets will be looking to complete the double over Rugby after Matt O'Halloran's brace in a 2-1 victory got 2007 off to a good start.

King's Lynn: Howie, West, Blois, Warren, Crane, Fisk, O'Halloran (Gould 90), Camm (C Defty 69), J Defty (Frew 58), Bloomfield, Melton. Subs not used: Hammond, Marshall.

Hitchin: Beckwith, Deeney, Childs (Orphanou 45), Gentle-King, Prater, Stevenson, Lamacraft, Standen, Jaggard (P Scanlon 78), Charles (Cunnington 52), A Scanlon. Subs not used: Cretton, Darkin.

Referee: D P Ploughwright (Mansfield).

Bookings: Stevenson (Hitchin).

Attendance: 857.