Cheshunt 2 King's Lynn 2
17th February 2007
THE Linnets lost ground in the title race with
Saturday's draw at lowly Cheshunt in this proverbial
"game of two halves," which leaves them 11 points behind
leaders Bath City with a game in hand.Lynn boss Keith Webb said: "It was a disappointing first half. We didn't come out of the blocks for whatever reason.
"Paul Crichton held his hands up for their first goal, but he kept us in the game.
"We got back to 2-1 up, but I was disappointed we conceded just after we scored, with sloppy defending.
"Matt Nolan's goal was superb. He's played really well in the last six games, he's got his game together.
"Big Jack Defty came on and gave us a bit of strength."
In the absence of Mark Warren, Greg Crane continued his partnership with Grant Cooper, who felt at home as he is Cheshunt-based.
Lloyd Opara had returned to Cheshunt from Peterborough United, but had an injured thigh.
Lynn had a poor first half when they could muster just one noteworthy effort – Andrew Fisk punting a hopeful high ball forward and Matt Nolan getting a shot in which Martin peat saved.
Cheshunt had several good chances in the opening period. Captain Steve Obeng found George Gregoriou, whose effort was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Crichton.
The pace of Dewayne Clark troubled The Walks outfit all afternoon, and his shot was deflected past Crichton by Cooper.
Lynn went behind in the 40th minute. The division's leading scorer Darrell Cox was tackled by Dean West for a corner.
This was swung in by ex-Linnet Lee Allen under the bar of Crichton, who seemed to have the ball then spilled it.
It was left for Cox to stab home just over the line from a couple of yards.
Crichton denied Cox a minute later when set up through on goal by Gregoriou.
Keith Webb's half-time team talk paid instant dividends within five minutes. Michael Frew dispossessed Gyoury and passed to Fisk, who sent a first-time shot from 20 yards into the top corner of the net to equalise.
On 55 minutes a combination of Steve Melton and sub Jack Defty fed Nolan, who should have shot, but passed to Matt O'Halloran, who missed an open goal.
Keeper Peat was injured just after the hour mark, to be replaced by Michael Kalli.
Lynn instantly had another good opportunity, as Melton cut in from the left from a Mark Camm pass and flashed across the face of goal from a tight angle.
However, the Linnets took the lead on 78 minutes. Camm played a good crossfield ball to Jack Defty. He picked out Nolan who, with his back to goal, directed an acrobatic overhead bicycle-style kick home.
But Cheshunt levelled two minutes later. Despite the presence of three defenders, Cox was allowed to trap the ball and convert his brace with a hit-and-hope effort from 25 yards without a challenge.
Lynn's last chance of the match was Alex Notman firing a free-kick two feet over the bar. The game ended with visiting fans voicing their displeasure.
Cheshunt: Peat (Kalli), Wattley, Parry, Gyoury, Fenton, Allen, Barratt, Obeng, Gregoriou, Cox, Clark. Subs not used: Bernard, Bashkal. Booked: Allen, Obeng.
Lynn: Crichton, West, Blois, Cooper, Crane, Fisk (McMahon 57), O'Halloran (Notman 68), Camm, Nolan, Few (J. Defty 48), Melton. Not used: Cave-Brown, C. Defty. Referee: P. Barnes (Peterborough).
Attendance: 243