HUGHES HAILS HIS HEARTY LINNETS
NEW BOSS Mark Hughes cherished his first victory in management as King’s Lynn Town guaranteed themselves home advantage in the National League North play-off semi-finals.
The 39-year-old – asked to step up to interim charge after the shock exit of Tommy Widdrington last weekend – oversaw a comfortable victory against the Poppies at The Walks.
“I was confident,” he said. “The players have taken responsibility since Tommy Widdrington left and I have got so much faith in them.
“They called their own meeting and stuff and to have a group like that, it’s tight knit. And for me to come in and we are sitting second in the league, it is a real good opportunity for me.”
The result of the week’s planning was emphatic.
“Chuffed is the word,” admitted Hughes. “Delighted with the four goals. I thought in the first half we controlled possession, got into some great little areas, without really testing their keeper but then we get the goal just before half time and your team talk changes a little bit.”
Lynn saw plenty of the ball early in the first half but Kettering defended comfortably for long periods.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between until the hosts produced one bit of quality on the stroke of half-time to turn the game.
Josh Barrett crossed low from the right and Ben Stephens arrived on cue to apply the finishing touch.
Five minutes after the restart, the Linnets added a second. Michael Clunan delivered a corner and Gold Omotayo was allowed a free header to double the home side’s advantage.
Just past the hour-mark substitute Aaron Cosgrave raced away after a ball over the top and was hauled down in the area by George Cooper and Omotayo stepped up to send Owen Mason the wrong way.
Three soon became four as Theo Widdrington’s free-kick was sent deep towards the far post and Adam Crowther finished from close-range.
Visiting substitutes combined for a consolation goal with 15 minutes to go as Ben Sault played in Decarrey Sheriff to finish.
The three points leave the Linnets two points behind leaders Fylde ahead of play-off contenders Alfreton.
Beaten Poppies boss Lee Glover said: “(King’s Lynn) will say they ran out worthy winners but some of our mistakes were poor from people who have been better than that for a few months now.”