Wisbech Town 0 King's Lynn 1
27th July 2000
LINNETS won the Kinsella Cup for only the second time as they took it off hosts Wisbech, thanks to Jon Palmer's solitary strike.It was sweet revenge over their local rivals, as the last time Lynn came here they were thrashed 4-0. Linnets boss Gary Mills will hope it is not the only piece of silverware they pick up tflis season.
With the news that broken leg victim Lee Wilson's comeback will be delayed, there are question marks over who will provide the goals this season.
Hard though goal hero Palmer worked on Thursday night, he does not look a 25 goal-a-season man and Lynn need someone to put away the chances created by diminutive winger Tommy Wright's superb left-wing crosses.
Man of the match was probably Jamie March, who resembles former Linnet Darren Rolph. Craig Clark made his first appearance of the campaign. Wisbech fielded Kevin Leggett, who was at Fakenham last season.
The Fenmen shaded the first half - and Chuck Martini made a brilliant save low to his right to keep out former Linnet Shaun Keeble's penalty following a needless Tony Spearing foul on Peter Munns.
But Palmer struck five minutes into the second half, which Lynn dominated. He finished off close range at the near post March's excellent run and cross down the left.
In the first half the lively Ricky Hailstone and Keeble went close for Wisbech, while Wright - who crosses with his left foot and takes free-kicks with his right - had a free-kick tipped over by Ian Pledger.
"It was nice to win it and particularly in the second half I thought we knocked the ball round well," said Lynn manager Gary Mills. "It was an excellent goal and we played well.
"It was our second game and we have still got a lot to work on, but we came through it well"