King's Lynn 1 Harrow Borough 0
29th September 2001
THE Linnets began their FA Cup trail with a much improved performance, the win earning them a bumper £7,500 from the prize fund and another home draw with Jewson Premier side Clacton.Skipper Dave Robinson's goal sent them through in the first ever meeting between the two sides, but blotted his copybook by being sent off for a record seventh time in Lynn colours following a late fracas.
"It's an ideal draw," said manager Tony Spearing.
"Clacton are no mugs, I know they're a good side."
Unbeaten Clacton, after some big summer spending, are in eighth spot. Lynn last played them in the FA Cup nearly 30 years ago, winning 3-1 at The Walks.
"As a club we're delighted it's at home again," said chairman Colin Nichols.
After a good first half, the Linnets tailed off somewhat.
"With cup ties it's just about getting your name in the hat," said player-coach Tommy Wright. The first half we dominated, in the second half the fear factor came in.
"We're lacking a bit of confidence at home.
The best side in the world can be edgy when you're 1-0 up. I was disappointed with Dave's daft sending-off."
Heavy rain made the pitch slippery at first as both sides searched for an opening.
The hosts made the first chance as Harrow keeper Duncan Roberts, returning to the Walks where he had two spells with Lynn, was penalised for taking his dropkick outside his area.
Roberts made up for this mistake by using his legs to block Tommy Wright's resulting free-kick, and produced more fine saves.
Midway through the opening half, the Boro's dangerous Fabio Valenti fed Carl Levene, who slipped the ball through to Carlton Mitchell. However, he slotted wide with only keeper Steve Wilson to beat.
The Boro were left to reflect on what might have been as they created nothing else.
The influential Wright was fouled and took the free-kick, which Richard Clarke backheaded to cause panic in the Harrow rearguard.
Robinson, on his return from an anke injury, nodded in a simple chance on the line.
It was all Lynn as the outstanding Robinson played a delightful one-two with Jason Minett, was clearly pushed in the box by Christian Hyslop, but for reasons best known to referee Mr Lewis he blew for obstruction instead of a penalty.
Roberts denied Hayes with the resulting free-kick.
The Linnets continued to dominate after the break. Jamie Clarke, impressive on his first senior team start, volleyed just wide from Jamie March's deep cross.
Seconds later Clarke was unlucky to see his chip cleared off the line by Hyslop.
As the half wore on, play became more ragged and tense - frustratingly Lynn could not get the killer second goal.
Clarke came off to an ovation from the crowd, and his replacement Lee Hudson's first touch saw Roberts make another superb save with his legs
Lynn's day was spoiled by Robinson lunging in with an unnecessary studs-up tackle two minutes from the end.
He was sent off for his second bookable offence - earlier he had scythed into Roberts while Harrow's Wayne Walters was red-carded after the ensuing melee.
Visiting boss Edwin Stein was sent from the dugout for remarks made to the assistant referee.
This leaves Robinson as the most sent off Linnets player, beating '70s defender Richard Johnston's six dismissals.
Lynn: Wilson, Dakin, March, Robinson, Fuff, Whitney, Wright (Rowe 68), Hayes, Clarke (Hudson 78), Rowland, Minett. Subs not used: Anderson, Clark, Nobes.
Harrow: D. Roberts, R. Clarke, E. Protain, C. Hyslop, W. Hackett, W. Walters, F. Valenti, P. Adolphe, C. Mitchell (G. Torto 63-A. O'Brien 83), K. Keane, C. Levene (P. Gavin 40). Not used: T. Chrysostomou, K. Karamoko.
Att: 916.
| MATCH STATISTICS | Shots on Target | Shots off Target | Corners | Caught Offside | Free kicks Conceded |
Bookings/S-Off |
| Lynn | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 15 | Robinson (27, foul) Robinson (89, foul)  Dakin (90, time-wasting) |
| Harrow | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 20 | Hackett (55, shirt-pull) Keane (65, foul) Walters (89, fighting) |