A strangely disjointed performance in which we created very little from open play and were fortunate to gain a point after a very late rally that was inspired by a slice of good fortune.

Against opponents boasting several first team squad players but with an air of vulnerability, we missed the opportunity to take the match by the scruff of the neck in a poor opening twenty minutes. Our forward play lacked intelligence, movement and guile so whilst we enjoyed a territorial advantage at times, we lacked any cutting edge and rarely troubled the visiting keeper. In fact, I cannot remember a half of football at home when we have created so few opportunities or looked any less like scoring.

Again, our defensive shape and the strength of defensive lynchpin Lewis Carr maintained parity and also restricted the number of chances for our visitors. Our quality in full back areas though was extremely disappointing, so instead of initiating our attacks, possession was squandered or hit aimlessly out of play. With our wide players also looking out of sorts and neither front player providing a threat in behind, we allowed Kings Lynn to grow in confidence and get on the front foot.

A goal was far from inevitable and 'Respect' campaign or not, the referee's failure to spot a blatant foul on Rory McAuley in the build up contributed to them taking the lead. A cross resulted from our left flank, forcing Sam Beagle into a fantastic save with his feet from a point blank free header but we did not react quickly enough to clear the rebound and were punished. A half time deficit of only one goal at least gave us the chance to address things at the interval.

Unfortunately, the second half panned out in much the same way. Our lack of forward runs meant that we offered no threat and despite both teams enjoying periods of possession, the game was meandering without any direction or intent. When we conceded a sucker punch goal from a counter attack, allowing a cross and finish without any pressure on the ball within our penalty box, the dye looked cast for our first defeat and the first maximum points haul for our visitors.

The team looked livelier for the change of both strikers - John Yambasu and Jack Bailey for the ineffective Adam Marriott and Brad Hunter - but it took a freak goal to trigger the tempo and purpose that had been so sadly lacking. Jack Bailey, with almost his first touch, closed down their centre back and the intended clearance ricoched off Jack's foot, looped over the stranded keeper and into the far top corner.

The response we were looking for much earlier now arrived.Jack looked dangerous making in to out runs behind their left back and John also added some athleticism and power to our front runners. A couple of chances were finally created and whilst the visitors survived, at least we were asking them some questions and forcing them to defend at full tilt.

Happily, there was a sting in the tail. Rory McAuley, who along with Lewis Carr again looked our most solid performer, picked up the ball 30 yards from goal. He dropped his shoulder, thankfully switched the ball onto his right foot (!) and struck a powerful daisy cutter into the bottom corner to rescue a point. It was a great goal.

The relief was tangible but we all knew it was a point we scarcely deserved. That would have been no consolation for my old mate Steve Lilley, who now manages Kings Lynn Reserves and was obviously hoping for his first win. I know exactly how he felt from previous experiences and no doubt, we will be victims of the same fate at some time this season. For the time being, we must try to extend our run by dramatically improving our level of performance, either by individuals responding or a change of personnel. We will not keep getting away with only 2 or 3 of our players at the top of their games.

Team:
Beagle, Bowe, Parkinson, Howell, Carr, McAuley, Busssens (Ives 55), Berry, Hunter (Bailey 80), Marriott (Yambasu 70), Patrick.

Jez George