Fakenham Town 1 King's Lynn 2
31st July 2001
NEW signing Martin Eldridge struck a spectacular late winner as a mixed Linnets side took the local derby honours on Tuesday night.Eldridge fired home a stunning 30-yard drive which came back off the underside of the Fakenham bar and into the net.
Reserves manager Darren Bloodworth said: "It was a great strike. Martin did very well, especially the second half. He was trying too hard at times in the first period."
"The whole team played well in patches. There is still room for improvement but the lads are still learning."
Bloodworth was particularly impressed with right-back Stephen Harvey, who hardly put a foot wrong all night.
He said: "Stephen had a fantastic game. He is a very big prospect at only 17 and if he continues to progress like that he will go a long way in the game.
"He is very comfortable on the ball and also an excellent passer. He equipped himself very well."
Three first team players Tommy Wright, Wayne Anderson and Zeke Rowe appeared for Lynn in a youthful, but more than capable looking line-up.
Both sides had their spells of dominance, and it was the Ghosts who came closest to taking an early advantage when the dangerous Wayne Coe was denied by Simon Nobes in the 13th minute.
The Linnets' best chance of the half fell to Anderson in the 43rd minute but he could only blaze his effort over the bar after good work by Rowe.
Lynn started the second period well on top and took the lead eight minutes into the half when Anderson drilled the ball home just inside the box.
Fakenham equalised eight minutes later when Coe headed home Karl Dickerson's centre.
The Ghosts were now well on top, with Stuart Williams hitting the bar and Roy Bevis being foiled by Linnets substitute keeper Fountain.
Lynn came back themselves with substitute Paul Hunt showing some nice touches before Eldridge's 85th minute wonder goal.
Lynn: Nobes (Fountain 52), Harvey, Eldridge, Peach, Suiter, Anderson, Doherty (Daniels 52), Thompson (Gallon 52), Rowe (Hunt 52), White (Bacon 56), Wright.
Fakenham: Lewis, Smith, Barker, Massingham, Williams, Gleave, Challen, Coe, Delicate, Magee, Mortimer. Subs (all used): Gilmor, Bevis, Dickerson, Summerscales, Marshall and Belton.
Att: 207.