King's Lynn 2 Cirencester Town 1
22nd April 2006
The Linnets are limping over the line in their bid for second place in the
league, with manager Tommy Taylor launching an attack on his "lazy, big-time"
players.A casual display caused Taylor's ire as goals early in each half from Matt O'Halloran and Matt Nolan were enough to win it against the bottom six side.
It's all now set up for the last game of the season next Saturday at home to third-place Bath City, who Lynn are two points ahead of, for the prize of play-off final home advantage.
Taylor knows his men have to play better. Maybe they were subconsciously saving themselves for the play-offs.
It was also curious that despite the prospect of their best finish in 20 years, two wins over the Easter weekend and a kids-for-a-quid offer, the gate plummeted to 787.
Hopefully the fans are saving up for the two huge games this weekend. Lynn are guaranteed third place and a home play-off semi on Monday versus Chippenham and Bedford, who could only draw on Saturday.
Taylor said: "They were 'Johnny big-times'. They didn't want to know. I could have taken another eight off at half-time.
"Matt O'Halloran got a good goal, but him and Cedric Anselin, you didn't see them for the rest of the half.
"I wasn't pleased for the 90 minutes. We gave the ball away too easily, from the back to the front.
"We couldn't handle their three in midfield. We were punting it up to the front people but we still gave it away.
"I had to change it, we were being overrun. I put Charlie Defty in front of the back four, and to stop their full-backs from coming on.
"In the second half we still gave it away too easily. From the back instead of passing it out we were whacking it. It was just lazy, getting in the wrong positions to start with.
"We had eight or nine good chances, but we were 'Johnny laid-backs'.
"I don't care if the boys I took off were upset. No-one's guaranteed a place with me.
"We're in training Tuesday and Thursday, but I'd like them in every other day too.
"We haven't played well, but three points is the main thing. We can't turn in that performance again, especially the two wide boys, as Bath play 4-4-2.
"I know we need a point but I want to win it. We're two points ahead, so I've got to put out my best team possible. They've got to do the same."
The Walks outfit had started the game with promise. In just the ninth minute, a good move involving Nolan and Jack Defty played in on the edge of the box the onrushing O'Halloran, who hit it first time with his trusted left shot low around keeper Paul Thompson's right and into the net.
However, the Centurions levelled within nine minutes, a sweet 25 yard free-kick from Scott Griffin flew in past the wall and the red-faced John Higgs' bottom right hand corner.
Lynn had numerous half-chances to restore the lead, but in a bit of a Ben Sherman half, they were too casual. Defty had various headers off target and added a tame lob and volley.
His best shot just before the break brought a save from Thompson, but instead of burying the follow-up, Anselin took his time and Thompson again dived well to save.
Taylor brought on Lee Charles and Charlie Defty at the interval to shake things up, and within four minutes Lynn scored again. Nolan laid the ball back to skipper Sam McMahon, whose placed shot hit the post, but Nolan hit it first time into the far corner of the net.
The dangerous Griffin forced Higgs to palm the ball away, at a free-kick hurled himself (but not the ball) into the net, then hit the outside of the post as Cirencester were not afraid to play the ball around. Lynn's ball retention remained poor.
Jack Defty on the hour broke clean through down the middle and was brought down on the very edge of the box.
Astonishingly the referee issued no card for this blatant professional foul. Adam Smith hit the resulting free-kick against the keeper and underside of the bar.
With this chance to wrap up the game gone, it petered out frustratingly with Shaun Carey having the best chance, but Thompson saved with his legs.
Keeper Arron Benstead had a scan on his back, while Grant Cooper (hamstring) was rested and Taylor will assess the defender tonight.
Taylor added: "I think Arron will be alright. He hasn't come back to me, so everything must be okay. Grant will be down at training on Tuesday."
Lynn: Higgs, West, Smith, McMahon, Hammond, Camm, J. Defty (Hyde 65), Anselin (C. Defty h-t), Nolan, Carey, O'Halloran (Charles h-t). Subs not used: Jones, Harvey. Goals: O'Halloran 9mins, Nolan 49.
Cirencester: Thompson, Arndale, Halliday, Haisley, Jackson, Viveash, Fullam, Smith (Davis 75), Cowe (Symons 74), Griffin, Richards. Not used: Wimble, Fraser, Horgan. Goal: Griffin 18.
Referee: C. Reeve (Godmanchester).
Attendance: 787. MoM: Adam Smith.