Tom takes his turn as defenders come to the rescue again for Linnets

Lynn's centre-halves have hit a rich vein of form in front of the target, netting the last six goals in all competitions.

Hot on the heels of Ryan Fryatt's three-goal return in the space of a week, Tom Ward was the match winner for the second successive home fixture.

Ward's winner arrived after his namesake Chris' first-ever goal for the senior team had been cancelled out by Aaron Jarvis.

The goalscoring exploits of Lynn's defenders has been welcomed by manager Ian Culverhouse who said: 'They are attacking the ball really well and Michael (Clunan's) delivery into the box has been superb.

'He gives people a chance to go and attack the ball and we've got to use that, especially when we've got the likes of Tom, Ryan and Chris in the team.

'I was pleased for Chris today. His timing on the run for his goal was fantastic and that will do his confidence the world of good.'

Young goalkeeper Luke Pearson, standing in for the suspended Alex Street between the posts, was handed his league debut while teenager Kieren Shipp also came into the Linnets line-up.

Culverhouse said: 'It was a horrendous game and there wasn't much quality, but full credit to the boys again as they stuck at it.

'At half-time I told the players to have a little bit more composure on the ball. It's about having the confidence to handle the ball.

'Even young Shippy (Kieran Shipp) today, the first 10 or 15 minutes seemed a bit too much for him, but he grew into it and he's a very good young player.'

King's Lynn Town: Pearson, Shipp (Warburton 75), Yong, Fryatt, T Ward, C Ward, Clunan, McWilliams, Edge (McQuaid 68), Hilliard, Everington. Substitutes not used: Simpson, Zielonka and Gaughran.

Scorers: C Ward 51, T Ward 69.

Basingstoke; Tokarczyk, Van Cooten, Bennett (Redford 75), Partridge (R. Atkinson 46), Gater, Ray, Deadfield, M. Atkinson, Jarvis, Artwell, Owusu. Substitutes not used: Greene, Kennedy.

Scorer: Jarvis 66.

Attendance: 506.

Referee: A Wilson (Boston).