King's Lynn 1 Leyton Orient 0
25th July 1998
A new more appealing, chapter in the history of Lynn Football Club seems set to be a good read this season.Author is Tony Spearing and he looks to have some interesting leading characters.
One is Worrell Sterling, the former Watford winger, who should play a key role in the Linnets' Plot.
He was excellent on Saturday and received a deserved standing ovation from The Walks crowd for his performance. His chemistry with fellow, frontman Steve Williams also looked good and this could be an exciting partnership if Spearing chooses to use Sterling in an attacking role.
All over the pitch, there were strong performances from Lynn pIayers, new wing back Dave Puttnam providing the pace and skill that should cause opponents plenty of problems.
And the home crowd didn't even see one of the main characters, Dale Gordon, who should provide a lot of interest at the club.
Spearing, who snapped up Sterling and Puttnam after Saturday's game, said: "They are two very good players.
"I'm delighted with Worrell, he deserved his standing ovation. In fact, the four new signings - Worrell, Dave, Gary Oakes and Glen Fuff were outstanding.
"Fuffy was confident and didn't losing anything in the air. They had two big lumps up front and he limited their chances.
"Dave is an honest lad. He could have gone elsewhere but he said he wanted to play for a team who can achieve things.
"And Oakesy was superb. He's 18, only a baby, but he never gave the ball away and he showed he's keen. I can take that sort of attitude all the time.
"I'm not expecting miracles in my first season but I'm learning my trade.
"Tommy (Taylor, Orient manager) said I can give him a ring anytime as did Barry Fry. People are willing to help me out."
Sterling was playing in the United Counties League at Spalding last season and was fully expecting to be there again this year - until a call out of the blue came.
The 33-year-old, who now has a part-time job as a delivery man, said: "I was going to stay at Spalding until I got a phone call from Tony asking me to come down.
"I came because of Tony's enthusiasm and we knew each other before. We were at Peterborough together for a couple of seasons and we knew each other when I was an apprentice at Watford and he was one at Norwich.
"I don't know if Tony's settled on his team but I think he's looking for a couple of strikers. I've enjoyed it so far and I'm looking forward to the season. Football's football wherever you go. You just have to adjust your game.
Spearing confirmed he is looking to bring in two forwards to his squad: "We have lost three outstanding strikers (Lee Hudson, Brett McNamara and Mark Paul) and I need someone who will make defenders look over their shoulders, someone who will keep them on their toes.
"I'm looking to sign probably two or three of the younger players and definitely looking to bring in two centre forwards.
"It's amazing how my phone has been ringing with players wanting to come here. There should be even more after this result but I'm hanging on."
And on the victory over Leyton Orient, the Lynn boss said: "We more than matched them in the first half and didn't look in any danger.
"Their fitness showed in the second half but we limited their chances.
"That's full credit to us. Tommy said how well we battled and that we are a credit to this league.
"I'm overjoyed with the result at the moment but I'm not going to get carried away."
Sterling scored the only goal of the game in the 23rd minute after a surging run down the right from Leo Cotterell. Sterling and Williams tested Orient keeper Nicky Rust with good efforts while the visitors best chance fell to former Southampton and Swindon striker Craig Maskell, whose stooping header was blocked by the impressive Duncan Roberts.