Clacton Town 2 King's Lynn 0
27th March 1964
Lynn shaken by a 2-0 defeat became the latest victims of a revitalised Clacton side which took their points tally to 12 from the last eight games. At Old Road on Good Friday it was always the seasiders who held the initiative.
Obviously intent on quitting the Southern League in grandstand fashion, Clacton went into the match with three corners inside six minutes.
And with Clacton piling on the pressure the Linnets' defence looked very ill at ease. Dave Coleman's well taken goal in the 11th minute was just the incentive Clacton needed. Moving in smartly he hit a hard low drive to the right of Walls, and just out of the goalkeeper's reach.
With centre - forward Pat Donovan generally well held by Essex county cricketer Paddy Phelan, the Lynn attack, although showing premise in mid-field, never moved with certainty near goal, and the visitors' finishing was poor.
Nearest approach to a goal in the first half came when left winger Dave Partridge moved into the middle to hit a fine low shot that Wright saved at the foot of the post.
It was clearly the seasiders who called the tune in the first half and they nearly added a second goal when right-half Johnstone hit a tremendous 35-yard drive. Although unsighted at first Walls made a brilliant, acrobatic save.
Lynn always took too long to develop their attacks and this was fatal against a Clacton defence that tackled hard and quickly and generally intercepted.
Meagher the big Clacton centre-forward, gave Laurel a hard game and often opened up the Lynn defence in alarming fashion. Quick to follow up every chance the sprightly Clacton forwards kept Walls busy, but the goalkeeper frequently came to the rescue with some positioning and safe handling.
Although never the form expected of potential champions. Lynn came more into the game in second period but without seriously troubling the Clacton defence.
Indeed the nearest the Linnets went to scoring, when Donovan slipped to Phelan to move through in fine style. With a goal being imminent Wright came out to fall at the centre forward's feet and clear dangerous situation.
Clacton's forwards still looked the more workmanlike and there were some very anxious moments for Lynn defence before Clacton clinched victory in the 85th minute.
Moving on to a cross-field pass that split the Lynn defence, right winger Constant raced goalwards and cutting in had a fierce drive partially saved by Walls. With the ball running loose and Godfrey moving in smartly Proverbs in attempting to clear only succeeded in running the ball into his own goal.
A crowd of 925, easily the largest of the season at Clacton included a large contingent from Lynn.
Lynn: Walls: Proverbs, Baker: Williamson. Laurel, Wright: Bacon, Edwards, Donovan, King. Partridge