Paddy Davitt Retford 1, King's Lynn 1: Lynn boss Carl Heggs was left to rue another Unibond Premier Division win that got away. The Linnets were two minutes plus stoppage time from wrecking Retford's unbeaten start to the new season after substitute Anthony Robinson's instinctive half-volley on 83 minutes.

Paddy Davitt

Retford 1, King's Lynn 1

Lynn boss Carl Heggs was left to rue another Unibond Premier Division win that got away.

The Linnets were two minutes plus stoppage time from wrecking Retford's unbeaten start to the new season after substitute Anthony Robinson's instinctive half-volley on 83 minutes.

But Retford's own supersub Neil Harvey bundled home a messy equaliser for a share of the spoils in an entertaining Bank Holiday contest.

United were full value for a point after both teams went blow-for-blow but that was scant consolation to Heggs at full time following a third consecutive 1-1 league draw.

“Of course it's another one that has got away,” he said. “I'd rather draw than lose games but it's just the way we are drawing at the minute. Okay, not many sides will come here and get something because Retford look a decent team and they've spent money.“It's still hard to take when we are so close to getting four points from this Bank Holiday weekend. I would've accepted that but let's take the positives out of it. We've gone four games unbeaten now and you don't win or lose the league in the first three weeks.”

Lynn skipper Andy Boyce saw his goalbound header smashed clear by Lee Thompson inside the opening seconds before Owen Story blazed over six yards out with only Retford stopper James Lindley to beat.

The hosts stormed back after the interval with the pacy Darryl Thomas a constant menace before a late two goal salvo.

“I thought it was a good game but we could have put it to bed after 20 minutes,” said Heggs. “We had two great chances with Owen on his strong foot lifting it over and Boycie seeing one cleared off the line. We had to ride our luck at times after the break but Robbo does the business and then we get done with two minutes left.

“It's hugely frustrating for everyone because we've put in all the hard work and then not seen the game through. They got lucky with one ball over the top. My left back has let it bounce but it ricochets off one lad and squirts through my centre back's legs to drop for his mate. It was such a spawny touch but maybe that is what happens when things are not falling for you.”

Heggs admitted Lynn's latest setback could force him to revise his youth policy in favour of some streetwise nous. Former Boston midfielder and one time Lynn target Paul Ellender pulled all the strings for the hosts.

“I know we have some good young players who are learning to play with each other but now I have to go away and see if I need to recruit some steel,” he said. “We've not been in this league before but all these teams have big, strong lads.

“Saying that, I honestly don't feel we are getting the results we deserve at the minute. Initially I went into the changing room and I was fuming but then we've spent 30 minutes just chatting as a group. You have to remember these are young lads. I will hold my hands up and say maybe we do need a bit more experience and know how. We need a leader or two perhaps.”

Heggs blooded well travelled striker Iyseden Christie for his full debut alongside Gareth Sheldon after club officials received international clearance over the weekend for the 32-year-old following his stint with Maltese outfit Hibernians.

“He did okay and he has a presence about him,” said Heggs.

“I took him off mainly because Robbo had the right hump with me for getting dropped and I knew we'd get a reaction. He proved a point and that is what people with character do.

“I'm still looking at loans or something permanent this week because I want a really quick lad up top. You look at their number ten and he didn't really have much quality but they were just going back and then up to him.

“Shelly is overweight. I've told him that again after this game and that is for him to sort out. “We've brought Isyeden in and I want to bring in another lad from the Conference if I can up front. Shelly is more of a hold up player so we need someone really quick to play off him.”

t Retford: Lindley, Thompson, White, Barwick, Ellis, Simpkins, Bettney (Ford 87), Ellender, Godber (Harvey 80), Thomas (Marrison 85), Grimes. Subs (not used): Hindley, Kingston.

Goal: Harvey (88).

Booking: Ellender.

t King's Lynn: Gay, Magunda, Martin, Webb, Boyce, Murray, Story (Green 70), Lloyd, Sheldon, Christie (Robinson 58), Beswick. Subs (not used): McAughtrie, Johnson, McAnally.

Goal: Robinson (83).

Bookings: Magunda, Murray, Christie, Robinson

t Referee: P Thompson. Attendance: 442