Matlock Town 1 King's Lynn 2
30th September 2000
LINNETS scraped through their FA Cup second qualifying round tie against a side who belied their lowly status.As Lynn manager Gary Mills admitted afterwards, one of the few plus points from this match was forward Lee Wilson's return to senior action from a nine-month lay-off with a broken leg.
Lynn led twice but only progressed after a second half backs-to-the-wall effort.
"Let's just say we got through and Lee's back. Matlock were fighting for their lives and caused us problems;" said Mills.
"To come to somewhere like Matlock, it's mind over matter. We haven't played well, we know that. A lot of the lads won't be happy with their performance.
"It's great for Lee to be back. He was going around players as if they were not there."
Lynn made an ideal start to this year's campaign, scoring inside 70 seconds.
A deep left-wing cross from Dave Puttnam was firmly headed home by Emeka Nwadike, but the lead did not last for long.
In the ninth minute, Craig Clark, who endured a torrid first half, lost the ball in attack and the dangerous Steve Taylor broke down the right. He took advantage of Dave Robinson's slip, the ball was half-cleared and Kingsley Paul returned it with interest into the net.
However, the visitors regained their lead on the quarter-hour mark. Puttnam's corner was nodded back by Robinson and Glen Fuff's header hit the inside of the post, the goal being given by the alert assistant referee.
In the second half, Lynn paid the penalty of giving the hosts too much space.
From another of Paul's many crosses, Mills had to frantically clear off the line with an attacker looming.
Linnets missed March's midfield presence when he was carried off after he clashed with Gladiators keeper Mark Samways in a 50/50 challenge on the hour.
Lynn weathered furious last gasp pressure as Francis blocked a goal-bound effort from his team mate Paul. Dakin made a crucial last-ditch tackle, home cries of alleged handball by Nwadike were turned down and Martini turned away a drive from sub Mark Shaw.
Lynn: C. Martini, S. Dakin, C. Clark (A. Bullimore 79), D. Robinson, G. Fuff, J. March (L. Gibson 67), E. Nwadike, G. Mills. A. Thomas, J. Palmer (L. Wilson 70), D. Puttnam. Not used: S. Bush, L. Nower.
Matlock: M. Samways, C. James, B. Horseman, R. Holmshaw (M. Shaw h-t), D, McNicholas, W. Davies, N. Tilly, K. Paul, S. Taylor, R. Francis (L. Weinman 85), A. Simpson. Not used: J. Lukic. S. Banks, P. Sheldon
Att: 364.
| MATCH STATISTICS | Shots on Target | Shots off Target | Corners | Caught Offside | Free kicks Conceded |
Bookings |
| Lynn | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 17 | March (50 foul) Thomas (80 kicking ball away) Fuff (83 dissent) |
| Matlock | 7 | 6 | 12 | 3 | 9 |