King's Lynn 3 Blackstones 1
20th September 2011
JOINT Linnets boss Gary Setchell praised returning midfielder Luke Thurlbourne as The Walks outfit made it six wins on the bounce against Blackstones.
Thurlbourne was back in the starting line-up following showdown talks with Lynn's management team after being axed from the squad for one game for disciplinary reasons.
Setchell said: "Luke (Thurlbourne) came back into the side and I think he showed everyone what a good player he is. He was magnificent tonight, but so were everyone." Setchell hopes Thurlbourne's disciplinary problems are now a thing of the past.
"Hopefully Luke can put his discipline issues behind him now and move on," said Setchell.
"He has served his punishment and we've had words. He knows exactly where he stands in the football club and what's expected of him.
"Luke has pledged to be a King's Lynn player for the future. He knows this is a great club and that he stepped out of line."
A combination of miserable weather and a run of home games was no doubt reflected in the lowest attendance at The Walks for a league game since Burnham visited in November 2002.
On that occasion Jack Defty was on target with two of the five goals but his absence on Tuesday night didn't stop Lynn deservedly overcoming a spirited Blackstones team. Setchell said: "I thought we dominated the game and I know we conceded a goal but we looked very solid defensively again.
"Paul Cousins and Stuart Wall have formed a marvellous partnership at the back, while Ryan Fryatt has come in and looked very strong as well.
"Ryan has an old head on young shoulders, as well as being very athletic, and will continue to get better."
Lynn attacked from the start and it was a combination of good goalkeeping from Lee Crocket, the woodwork and some near-misses that kept the Linnets at bay.
The opening goal arrived in the 41st minute, when Jamie Thurlbourne, back from a recent injury, scored his first league goal of the season with a drive which went in off the post.
Robbie Harris pounced on 71 minutes to double Lynn's lead before Blackstones got back into the match through Michael Nelson.
Lynn's two-goal lead was restored in the final seconds through Steve Spriggs, who burst through the Blackstones defence to slot home with ease.
Lynn: Street, Fryatt, Bexfield, Cousins, Wall, White, Spriggs, L. Thurlbourne, Beaumont, Harris, J. Thurlbourne (Coe 86). Unused subs: Hails, Buhlemann, Barnes. Attendance: 510.
MoM: Ryan Fryatt.