Merthyr Tydfil 0 King's Lynn 0

8th April 2000

A GAME in which both defences performed well, and ultimately came out on top was the verdict of Linnets manager Gary Mills after the goalless draw at Merthyr.
In fairness to both teams, this was an entertaining affair in the south Wales sun on a hard pitch during which both sides created numerous chances.
A combination of good defending, sound goalkeeping and lack of composure meant the game remained blank, although Lynn's point away from home can rarely be classed as disappointing.
"We were close to a win, but not close enough,� said Mills.
"It's a good point for us, particularly at Merthyr, who are not a bad side.
"We can play better, but if you take a point away from home and win your home games, then you won't go far wrong."
Linnets missed Dave Puttnam. "Dave has been ill all week, he's picked up a bug and has not been able to eat.
"We hope he'll be OK for Saturday," added Mills.
The game burst into life only five minutes in when midfielder Mark Turner went on a rousing run, but his shot went just wide and that seemed to set the tone for the half.
Home striker Ian Mitchell shot over from a tight angle, while shortly after Craig Evans' effort went just wide.

The front two of Mitchell and former Leyton Orient forward Danny Carter were extremely lively and the quality of some of the Welshmen's midfield play belied their lowly position.
Perhaps they were stirred into action by boss Jimmy Mullen resigning 24 hours earlier, to be replaced by his assistant Keith Walker.
Chuck Martini saved from Carter at the midway point of the half and the outstanding Glen Fuff reacted quickly to a volley from Evans.
In between, the hard working Lyndon Rowland saw a shot from the edge of the box blocked after Craig Clark had robbed defender Andy Power.
On the stroke of the interval, Turner was caught by surprise when presented with a superb opportunity six yards out but fired straight at the keeper.
Two minutes after the break Martini made the save of the game, diving low to his left to keep out Carter.
Emeka Nwadike shot over from 12 yards as the Linnets enjoyed a period of pressure midway through the half and looked capable on the break.
On the hour Paul Chenoweth's corner bemused everyone and hit the Lynn bar.
Similarly unlucky was Mills, whose low angled drive hit the base of the post before rebounding into keeper Neil Thomas' arms.
Lynn: Martini, Dakin, Spearing, Robinson, Fuff, Nwadike ,Mills, Clark, Palmer, Turner, Rowland. Subs (not used) Ramsey, Gibson, Bogan
Merthyr Tydfil : Thomas, Regan, Power, Loss, Walker, Abraham, Carter, Clarke, Mitchell, Evans, Chenoweth. Subs: Birkby, Price, Ryan.

MATCH STATISTICS	Shots on Target	Shots off Target	Corners	Caught Offside	Free kicks Conceded	Bookings
Lynn	3	4	5	4	12
Merthyr	3	5	7	7	11

Lynn News Man of the Match - Glen Fuff