King's Lynn 2 Peterborough Northern Star 1
7th April 2012
SUPER-SUB Robbie Harris was almost lost for words after coming off the bench to snatch the most dramatic of wins in the United Counties League title race.
Harris struck in the sixth minute of injury time to sink some brave resistance from Peterborough Northern Star, who had two players sent-off during a breathtaking second half on Saturday.
With Long Buckby thrashing Sleaford 4-0, Harris' last-gasp winner left the destination of the league crown very much in Lynn's hands as they left the field to a standing ovation in front of an ecstatic crowd.
A delighted Harris said: "It was a massive goal in the context of things and keeps us in the driving seat with four games to go.
"I know the ball bounced off a couple of people and just fell to me. I haven't got the cleanest of connections on it but it has managed to find its way in.
"We've managed to score some late goals all season, but hopefully this is the goal which will push us closer to the title.
"You can see what it meant to everyone as there was a man bundle and I was at the bottom of it. Everyone is buzzing and it was the best atmosphere at The Walks I've seen for a long time."
Linnets boss Gary Setchell said: "Robbie's goal means we are in the same position as we were before the game and also means that we still have the momentum going into the final few weeks of the season.
"You can see what it means to everyone and I never once thought that we wouldn't score a winner. There is such a belief and togetherness between this group of players.
"We've done it against Newport Pagnell, against Kempston and also again today so it's not luck. We have a fit bunch of players who never give up."
Lynn went behind on 21 minutes when Avelino Vieira took advantage of poor defending to slide the ball past the advancing Street.
PNS were reduced to ten men on 57 minutes when Liam Hook picked up his second yellow card of the afternoon following a late tackle on Ross Watson.
The visitors continued to frustrate Lynn's attempt to equalise but on 63 minutes Richard Jones, a former Lynn transfer target, felled Defty and Jason Turner scored from the resulting spot kick. Lynn continued to press whilst PNS created their chances on the break, Stead twice testing Street.
The game looked destined for a draw and, as it entered the final minute, PNS were reduced to nine men when Ali Nyang picked up his second booking for a foul on Davies.
Lynn laid siege on the PNS goal with Stuart Wall hitting the bar and numerous attempts being scrambled clear.
But with the last kick of the game Robbie Harris poked home from close range to keep Lynn in the title driving seat. There were two milestones reached during the game, Jack Defty's 400th competitive appearance and Street's 100th.
Lynn: Street, Deeney (Harris 85), Yong, Watson, Wall, Hughes, White, L. Thurlbourne (Davies 45), Defty, Turner, Beaumont (J. Thurlbourne 45).
Unused subs: Fryatt, Hails.
Attendance: 702.