For half-an-hour on Saturday afternoon the Southern League championship remained in the balance.
The Linnets were ahead against AP Leamington and the news came through that Alvechurch had equalised against title rivals Cheltenham.
Could Alvechurch get another second half goal and present the title to Lynn? The answer came at 4.35 with the announcement that Cheltenham had taken a 2-1 lead and with it the top place.
Lynn duly claimed the three points against surprisingly resilient Leamington, but it was not enough and they will have to settle for runners-up medals.
Promotion to the Gola League also goes to Cheltenham unless they forfeit the chance through the strict rules regarding stadium facilities.
The Linnets completely overran Leamington in the opening period, forcing six corners in the first five minutes. But the Midlanders, already doomed to relegation, came back forcing Andy Claxton to a superb save from Phil Sabin's header and then Paul Coleman struck the post with a low drive.
Martin Coupe put the Linnets ahead in the 52nd minute with a delightful glancing header from Kevin Ready's corner and in the next attack he volleyed over when Martin Twigger set up the opening.
Leamington battled away, but the Linnets - hoping for a surprise result at Cheltenham - generally kept a firm grip.
AP Leamington: Hemming, Humphrey, Kettle, Goodwin, Hopkins, Sabin, Stockley, Coleman, Draper, Fitzgerald, Hardwick, sub: Coucheman.
Lynn: Claxton, Mercer, Watts, Adams, Easthall, Gale, Foster, Ippolitto, Ready, Coupe, Twigger: sub Coates.
Referee: R Burton (Hinckley)