King's Lynn 1 Grantham Town 1
3rd September 2013
King's Lynn Town were forced to settle for a point for the second home game in succession after an entertaining affair at The Walks.
Gary Setchell's troops failed to build on a promising start as George Thomson's first-half opener was cancelled out by an own goal early in the second half.
The proceedings began at a breathless pace with both sides looking to impose themselves on the game early.
Lynn's Steve Spriggs saw his effort well saved by Grantham goalkeeper Dan Haystead before Dan Jacob's follow-up was scrambled clear off the line.
The opening goal came after 15 minutes when Ryan Clarke sprinted down the right and crossed for Thomson to fire the ball home.
Lynn continued to create openings, but at the other end of the pitch Danny Gay pulled off stunning saves to deny both Jamie McGhee and Dion Meikle.
The Linnets suffered a bitter blow seven minutes before the interval when home debutant Gary Mills, who had an influential first half, limped off the field after a reckless challenge by Greg Smith.
Goalkeeper Gay was also in the wars as he left the field at the break, donning a bandage on his head after bravely contesting a header with Smith following a backpass from Lee.
Lynn's lead lasted until five minutes after the restart when a Smith header hit Jason Lee and wrong-footed Gay for an own goal.
Grantham grew in confidence as the game wore on and McGhee was foiled by a brilliant double save by the busy Gay.
The Linnets enjoyed plenty of the ball in the latter stages but were unable to turn their possessions into clear-cut chances.
A late Grantham rally saw Gay spread himself to deny Grantham substitute Gary King, while Thomson headed clear when under pressure from McGhee.
Grantham Town: Haystead, Purcicoe, Ridley, Meikle, Lister, Lewis (Pillerio 46), McGhee, Towey, G. Smith (King 71), Graham, Watson (K. Smith 71).
Referee: Mr J. Burridge. Attendance: 670. Report by permission of the Lynn News