King's Lynn 2 Chesham United 0

2nd December 2000

JON Palmer's hot run of form in front of goal continued as Lynn progressed to the third round of the FA Trophy for the first time in the club's history.
Palmer's sixth goal in four games set Lynn on their way to unchartered territory.
The Linnets had to rely on a second half penalty save from Chuck Martini and a late strike from youngster Simon Bush before securing their place in the next round.
The team had previously only reached the second round in 1978/79 under Keith Rudd.
"We underperformed but I can't knock the players for their spirit," said caretaker boss Tony Spearing after seeing his side stretch their unbeaten run to five matches under his guidance.
"Chesham were a very good side, in fact I'd say they were the best team we've faced this season but out fighting spirit pulled us through.
"We can play a lot better than that but I'm happy with the way my players competed;" added Spearing, who heaped praise on several of his side.
"Our keeper and three centre-halves were tremendous and both our goals were superbly taken."
Lynn rarely threatened the away goal until their first strike ten minutes before halftime with the visitors looking the more composed.
The antics of Martini, who mainly enjoyed a fine game, nearly led to an opening goal to Chesham in the 26th minute when he was dispossessed by Victor Renner when trying to dribble the ball clear of his area.
But luckily for the Moroccan, Renner's shot struck the base of the post.
Nine minutes later Lynn took the lead against the run of play with only their second meaningful attack of the half when Palmer brilliantly glanced home a pinpoint free kick from Tommy Wright.
Linnets could have added to their lead a minute afterwards, but Wright's 30 yard lob was cleared off the line by Lee Kersev with keeper Delroy Preddie stranded out of his area after challenging Lyndon Rowland for possession.
The injured Palmer was replaced by Bush during the break but Lynn still remained on the back foot for long periods of the second half.
Martini's fingertips denied Chesham's Dereck Brown in the 52nd minute, but even better was to come from the eccentric shot-stopper with his third penalty save of the season midway through the half.
Referee Mr Marin, who baffled the supporters with some of his decisions, had no hesitation in pointing to the spot after Rowland had body checked Brown in the box as Lynn conceded their seventh penalty of the season.
However, Martini acrobatically flung himself to his left to keep out substitute Terry Bowes, who played a couple of times for Wisbech during current Lynn assistant Darren Bloodworth's time at the helm.
Martini pulled off another point-blank stop to foil the same player and ten minutes from time Glen Fuff cleared off the line from Craig Farley as Lynn nervously clung on to their lead.
With four minutes left, Lee Gibson sent Bush racing clear who steadied himself before slotting past Preddie.
Lynn: C. Martini, S. Dakin, C. Clark, L. Gibson, G. Fuff, D. Puttnam (J. March 75), E. Nwadike, A. Hayes, J. Palmer (S.Bush 45), L. Rowland, T. Wright (W. Anderson 87). Subs not used: D. Suffer, R. McNeil.
Chesham: D. Preddie, B. Statham, M. Fox (M. Gorman 60), F. Hall, L..Kersey. S. Canham, D. Brown, F. Storer (T. Bowes 60), V. Renner (D. Campbell 82), M. Watson, C. Farley. Not used: Y. Nabil, C. Tullett.
Att: 731.

MATCH STATISTICS	Shots on Target	Shots off Target	Corners	Caught Offside	Free kicks Conceded	Bookings
Lynn	6	2	2	9	11	Rowland (15, foul) Fuff (66, Foul)
Chesham	8	6	9	5	12	Renner (22, foul)

Lynn News Man of the Match - Glen Fuff