Hemel Hempstead 1 King's Lynn 5
3rd October 2006
THIS victory was a far cry from Lynn's last visit to Vauxhall Road, back in 2004, which led to the ugly scenes that greeted the previous managerial regime of Darren Bloodworth and Kevin Boon.The Linnets were cheered off the field at the finish after ending Hemel Hempstead's unbeaten home record and going three points clear at the top of the Southern League Premier Division.
Tommy Taylor's troops have now scored 26 goals on the road this season and have bagged five goals in three of their last four away trips.
A delighted Taylor said: "Both teams played their part in a great match.
"I believe we are a better side away from home as teams have to come and attack us, where at home sides get plenty of players behind the ball.
"We played and passed it well for 90 minutes and should have scored more goals.
"The whole side were magnificent and I've always maintained if we play like that against any side then we will win."
Lynn's side showed two changes from the one that had booked their place in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The fit-again Shaun Marshall replaced John Higgs between the posts, while Alex Notman replaced Adam Fry, who was relegated to the bench.
Notman fired an early opportunity wide, but the main goal threat was coming at the other end of the field during the early exchanges.
Marshall was on hand to deny Gary Slippets' powerful drive, while Anthony Thomas, the league's leading scorer, fired over minutes later.
The game was proving anything but easy before Lynn took the lead with their first notable effort of the night.
Smith delivered a telling centre from the left and Notman glanced the ball home to ease the nerves.
Both Mark Warren and Dean West were called upon to make last-ditch clearances, before Lynn doubled their advantage midway through the half.
A crisp five-man move, which had the Lynn fans thinking they were watching Premiership Arsenal, resulted in West crossing for Jack Defty to stab the ball home.
Lynn struck the woodwork through Defty and Thomas skied a chance over for the hosts in an action-packed first period.
The Walks outfit finished the half the stronger, with Michael Frew, who had a hand in three of the goals, firing over.
Lynn's third goal came seven minutes into the second period when a three-man move involving Frew, Defty and Smith ended up with the defender smashing home a fierce shot.
Two minutes later Sam McMahon played in Matt O'Halloran for goal number four, before Taylor made a double change, replacing Notman and Frew with Matt Nolan and Fry.
The changes had little effect on the proceedings as Lynn's passing and movement left Hemel chasing shadows.
Lynn's final goal arrived in the 68th minute when an O'Halloran cross was cleared into the path of Defty, who rifled home past the hapless Smith in the Hemel goal.
The hosts gained a deserved consolation 15 minutes from time when Rob Gould headed home a free-kick.
There was still time for Hemel to apply some late pressure, Marshall making two smart saves, but Lynn were already home and dry with plenty left in the tank.
Hemel Hempstead: Smith, Sinclair, Byrne, Aldridge, Gould, Hibbert, Kean, Herron, Sippetts, Thomas, Edgeworth. Subs: Yoki, Valenti, Chakaodza, Skinner, Mares.
Lynn: Marshall, West, Smith, Warren, Cooper, Camm, J. Defty (Gaughran 75), McMahon, Frew (Fry 57), Notman (Nolan 57), O'Halloran.
Attendance: 264.
MoM: Michael Frew.