King's Lynn 4 Northampton Spencer 1

15th January 2011

CAPTAIN Fantastic Jack Defty led by example as Lynn eased to victory against dogged opponents at The Walks on Saturday.
On a day when some of his team-mates seemed to have an eye on Saturday's big FA Vase game, big Jack scored two sublime goals and cleverly set up another as the Linnets kept the pressure up on the top two.
The talismanic striker could be the difference between victory and defeat at Stockton this weekend and once again was too hot for an opposition side to handle.
In truth, it was a run of the mill victory, with Lynn failing to excite in the way they can - but still never looking in danger.
And as soon as Defty opened the scoring after 12 minutes, the game was effectively over.
After a brilliant run from defence by right back Pat Bexfield was broken up, Defty stroked home the opener from 12 yards.
Three minutes before the break Steve Spriggs sidefooted home Jamie Thurlbourne's quick free kick to make it 2-0, and after 55 minutes Defty netted his 27th of the season with a nonchalant goal stroked in from 15 yards.
Spencer pulled one back after Lynn's almost customary once-a-game defensive mix-up, but Spriggs tapped home the fourth near the end after a beautiful lay off from Defty.
Although far from their best Lynn, as usual, created plenty of other chances.
After the opener Spriggs saw a deceptive drive tipped over, Kieran Doherty had an effort ruled out for offside and Chris Bacon somehow spooned over from two yards.
Spencer rattled the post with a free kick just after Lynn's second, but Spriggs saw another effort well saved, Defty had an effort cleared off the line and young sub Nelson Moreira had a stinging effort saved as Lynn strolled to three points.
But the Linnets must not fool themselves - this performance would not be good enough to progress in the Vase or trouble league leaders St Neots next month.
New striker Bacon failed to make an impression and the enforced cold weather break seems to have halted the stride of tricky winger Thurlbourne.
On the plus side new defender Ross Watson is settling in well, his partner Dan Buhleman is growing in stature and Defty looks determined to lead his team to honours.
Lynn: Street, Bexfield, Alsop, L Thurlbourne (White 68 mins), Buhleman, Watson (McNeil 61), Spriggs, Doherty, Defty, Bacon (Moreira 57), J Thurlbourne. Subs not used: Harris, Johnson.
Attendance: 711.