King's Lynn 1 Harlow Town 1
30th December 1981
THE accuracy of Ray Elliott's set piece moves was missed by the Linnets on
Wednesday.Until the 88th minute that is when Dave Burrows swung in his best corner of the match and the Linnets forced a late equaliser.
The corner to the near post was flicked on by Andy Bircumshaw to Craig Thompson who scored from close range.
It was a reprieve for the Linnets who seemed to be heading for an exit from the F. A. Trophy at the third qualifying round stage, although they were clearly inspired by another sterling performance by skipper Richard Johnston.
On the well-prepared surface they had been trailing since the 28th minute when a static defence let Sylvestor McKay score with a looping header over Mick Drewery.
It appeared that after the long lay-oft the Linnets were devoid of ideas and the absence through suspension of Elliott and Easthall added to the problems.
Harlow, from the Isthmian League, were guilty of time wasting from the first minute their goalkeeper Paul Kitson being the main offender.
Referee Roger Pawley must have taken this into account when he extended play to the 85th minute, but Lynn could not get a last gasp winner.
Pawley also took the names of five Harlow players for various misdemeanours - the worst being Kevin Ahern's lunging tackle on Burrows when the winger was racing towards the penalty area.
Lynn: Drewery; Wilson, Bircumshaw, Johnston, Wilson; Watts, Adams, Thompson; Burrows, Chapman, Rudd. Sub Wiles.
Harlow: Kitson; Wickenden, Griffiths, Carrington, Ahern, Taylor, Gough, Wiles, Mackenzie, McKay, Parker. Sub Pask.
Referee: R. Pawley (Cambridge).
Attendance: 733.
| Report by permission of the Lynn News |