King's Lynn 1 Kettering Town 2
25th July 2009
LINNETS manager Carl Heggs is determined to bring a new goalkeeper to the club after Lynn's latest pre-season setback on Saturday.
Lynn's no-nonsense boss has vowed to find a more experienced man between the posts after two blunders from youngster Dan Whatsize gifted Kettering victory at The Walks.
Whatsize went missing for both of Kettering's first-half goals and was substituted at the break by an angry Heggs, before a Gareth Sheldon penalty only served as a late consolation.
Heggs said: "If I had a decent left winger and a top-drawer keeper we would have won that game, no doubt," he said.
"Nine of my players were outstanding in terms of the endeavour, work rate and organisation but two let us down.
"Now, do I sweep it under the carpet or do I address it? If I improve those two areas we have got the best side in the UniBond by a million miles.
"If I tried to say what a good display to lose 2-1 against a side that finished eighth in the Conference National last season I wouldn't be doing my job.
"I looked every player in the eyes when I signed them and promised I would not let them down. If I want to win the league, which I do, I have a couple of areas to address."
Heggs says that both Phil Green and Whatsize, who bore the brunt of his after-match criticism, still have a future at the club.
"I like Phil but he is coming back from a bad injury and he needs to get fit. It's as simple as that.
"My season starts in three weeks time so he has three weeks to get fit or he'll be another one who gets custard pied.
"As for Danny, I'm not saying he isn't a decent keeper. He has a big future but ultimately when you let two goals in like that questions are asked.
"I can't wave a magic wand over him to give him the confidence he needs. It has to come from within but I'm not getting rid of an 18-year-old who has made two mistakes.
"Dan can kick it a mile and has good feet, but it's up to him to learn from his mistakes. It might take him two months to get it right or it might take him two weeks.
"What I'm saying is an experienced keeper does not come out of his area and get chipped for a ball he has no chance with and then someone hits a shot from 35 yards that sneaks in at the near post."
Despite the defeat there were several positives for Lynn to take out of the game.
Liam Murray gave an assured display in his first pre-season run-out for the club at left-back, while Matt Birley and Owen Story both shone in an impressive-looking midfield.
Kettering (starting XI): Harper, Eaden, Jennings, Taylor, Geoghan, Dempster, Green, Fowler, Seddon, Spencer, N'Boussi. Goals: Seddon 8 and 43.
Referee: S. Ross (Lincs). Report by permission of the Lynn News