Premier Division
St Neots Town 2 Kings Lynn Town 4
Saturday, 05 February 2011
The league's 'match of the millenium' so far proved a dramatic affair in front of a massive crowd of 1,481, believed to be the highest for a UCL game since 1971.
The Saints went into the contest unbeaten in league action since October 2009 - a run of 46 matches - and holding a four point lead over their rivals.
Windy conditions made life difficult for the players at times and it was the Linnets who ultimately adapted the better as they halted the home side's long unbeaten run.
There was an early scare for home keeper Dave Hogan on his debut as his attempted clearance struck the onrushing Jack Defty and looped into the net, but the referee ruled handball and the point was ruled out.
The lively Lewis Hilliard set up the first St Neots chance for Lewis Webb whose effort was blocked, but with thirteen minutes played the home side were in front as Stefan Moore was brought down by Ross Watson as the pair contested a cross from the left and Webb despatched the spot kick.
Lynn's reply saw Jamie Thurlbourne and Defty set up Stephen Spriggs to test Hogan, while at the other end Alex Street was well place to save Hilliard's 30 yard free kick.
Good work by Shane Tolley set up Moore whose shot was well saved by Street with Webb unable to keep the ball down as he followed up.
Lynn were level two minutes past the half hour with Chris Bacon's strong run and pass inside the full back setting up Spriggs to beat Hogan with a low shot.
St Neots were back in front three minutes before half time with Moore exchanging passes with Tolley before unleashing a stunning low drive into the far corner from the left hand side of the box.
A fired up Linnets side emerged for the second half and pushed St Neots back to good effect.
After 53 minutes the scores were level again with Defty's flick on putting Spriggs in behind the defence to fire a cross shot beyond Hogan.
A lob from Spriggs was just over as the visitors continued to force the pace, but on the hour a long ball saw Defty win a race with Hogan to steer the ball home.
The woodwork denied Jamie Thurlbourne but in the next Lynn attack after 66 minutes a challenge on the edge of the box fell kindly for Spriggs to drill a low 18 yard shot into the corner and complete his hat trick.
The arrival of Kieran Davies from the bench breathed new life into the home attack and the substitute's fine run and well struck shot brought Street into action with a vital save, but the visitors confidence saw them play out time with few worries.
St Neots: Dave Hogan, Dallas Moore, Theo Davis, Lewis Webb, Glen Fuff, Will Fordham, Lewis Hilliard, Junior Kanudu (Kieran Davies), Stefan Moore, Shane Tolley, Dan Jacob (Roy Essandoh).
Kings Lynn: Alex Street, Pat Bexfield, Jamie Alsop, Luke Thurlbourne, Dan Buhlemann, Ross Watson, Stephen Spriggs (Kieran Doherty), Danny White, Jack Defty, Chris Bacon (Robbie Harris), Jamie Thurlbourne.
Report courtesy of footballmitoo.co.uk
