TOMMY HAS FRESH HOPE AS LINNETS WIN IN STYLE
KING’S Lynn Town began what they hope will become their own version of the Great Escape with a much-needed victory over relegation rivals Weymouth.
The Linnets started the crucial month of February in impressive style, scoring three goals under manager Tommy Widdrington for the first time as well as keeping their first clean sheet of the season as the Terras were blown away at The Walks.
Striker Malachi Linton got the ball rolling with a first half penalty before goals from Michael Clunan and Joshua Barrett after the break ensured Lynn collected a big three points with their best display of the campaign.
Widdrington said: “I said to the players yesterday morning that I felt our season started in February.
“I know it’s a weird thing to say, because we’ve got half a season to try to do what we want to do, but I’ll guarantee you now if the output is like that for our remaining games then we won’t have a problem.
“There were two teams there at the wrong end of the table and I think if you were an alien landing on the roof of the stadium and watching the game, you wouldn’t think that we were in that position.
“I’m delighted with the players but I’m not getting carried away as there’s a quick turnaround and we’ve got another game in three days but I’ve told them to hold that feeling in their stomachs.”
An hour before kick-off Lynn announced three new signings – Josh Coulson started in the heart of defence, while Cam Hargreaves was a late substitute and Jak Hickman remained on the bench.
Lynn should have been ahead on five minutes when Harry Phipps put in a great cross from the right but Olly Scott saw his half-volley come back off the bar.
The Norfolk side did eventually find a way through on 25 minutes, Linton converting from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Haji Mnoga as he drove into the area.
Skipper Clunan shot wide just before the break, while Tyler Cordner flashed a free-kick just wide at the other end.
The Linnets hit the woodwork four minutes after the break, Barrett curling in a fine effort in from the edge of the area, but the hosts almost allowed Weymouth back into the game when Jones was forced to keep out a wayward header from team-mate Brett McGavin.
Lynn enjoyed a good spell of pressure but were unable to trouble keeper Ross Fitzsimons until Clunan turned in the area and planted the ball in the bottom righthand corner to give Lynn a valuable two-goal cushion.
Minutes later it was three as Barrett twisted one way and another before firing in a left-footer from eight yards which took a deflection before hitting the back of the net.