Boston FC 0 King's Lynn 1
25th October 2011
LINNETS boss Gary Setchell hailed his side's battling qualities after overcoming a physical Boston Town outfit at Tattershall Road.
A fine Jack Defty strike 19 minutes from time settled a bruising encounter, in which both sides could perhaps consider themselves lucky to have a full quota of players left on the pitch.
The Linnets have now won five out of five on the road in the league this season and Setchell said: "The players don't want to be in this league another season and I think they proved that with their commitment tonight.
"It wasn't pretty at times, but I still felt it was a game we should have had wrapped up by half-time.
"In all fairness, Boston came to spoil the party tonight and we stood up to the test.
"There's nothing wrong with being physical but some of their tactics were a bit underhand at times.
"I didn't feel we got much protection from the referee so we had to stand up and be counted out there."
Lynn's winner came after a piece of magic from substitute Rob Hughes, whose cross was emphatically dispatched by Defty for his tenth goal of the season.
The second half introduction of Jamie Thurlbourne and Hughes added some calmness and quality to the Lynn midfield in a blood-and-thunder game played at a frantic pace.
Of Hughes, Setchell said: "The lad is a good footballer and anyone who questioned that he isn't up for a battle can think again after tonight.
"He was involved in most of our good stuff after he came on and he is already loving it here at King's Lynn.
"Boston's pitch was quite narrow and we couldn't get the ball to our wide men quick enough, which is one of the reasons why I sacrificed Spriggsy."
Setchell also dispelled rumours that Spriggs is set to sign for Wroxham following rumours on the internet.
"Spriggsy is going nowhere and none of our players are leaving the club," said Setchell.
Robbie Harris could have easily had a first half hat-trick for Lynn, who were rarely troubled by a Boston team who contained former Linnet Micky Nuttell at the other end.
The only danger came after Defty's goal when goalkeeper Alex Street was called upon to make a fine double save in the last ten minutes. Lynn: Street, Bexfield, Yong, Watson, Buhlemann, White, Spriggs (J Thurlbourne), L Thurlbourne, Defty, Harris (Hughes), Beaumont. Booked: Street.
Attendance: 271