Mark Hearle King's Lynn 5, Histon 1: The Linnets strolled to their first win of pre-season on Saturday as a mixed-strength Histon side were put to the sword at The Walks.

Mark Hearle

King's Lynn 5, Histon 1

The Linnets strolled to their first win of pre-season on Saturday as a mixed-strength Histon side were put to the sword at The Walks.

Jordan Smith and Gareth Sheldon helped themselves to braces whilst Phil Green - having been criticised by manager Carl Heggs after the previous weekend's defeat to Kettering - capped an impressive display for the hosts with the other goal before the Stutes managed a consolation from Stefan Gainsly.

Despite the visitors sending a team of trialists and reserve players there was still much to admire from the home side. They went about their business in an upbeat and positive manner which bodes well for the new Unibond season, which is now only 12 days away.

The display was littered with good performances but two who stood out for Carl Heggs were Jordan Smith and local youngster Darryl Rose. Smith hit the game's opening goals and Rose was given 30 minutes following on from his outing at Dereham on Tuesday.

“I have always said that the youngsters and the local players will be given a chance by me whilst I'm at the club” said Heggs.

“Jono (Andy Johnson) told me after the Dereham game that Darryl had a decent game so we brought him in today to have a look at him.

“He has a lot of raw talent and pace and all things being well will travel with the side to Brackley on Tuesday.

“Eight months ago Jordan was playing Sunday morning football - he was paying to play. I picked him up, took him to Redditch and now he has come here with me.

“He gives me a nice problem because he can play in several positions and gives me extra options. He is another with pace and I think he has a great future in the game.

“But it's not just about those two players. I see today as another improvement. We have worked hard all week and been at the ground since 11 o'clock this morning.

“At times we have played some good stuff - electrifying at times I would say. But to do that you have to win the battle and we have done that as well which means that we are going in the right direction.

“Really I cannot fault anyone today but I never get carried away and today is no exception. There are still areas which we need to work on and we will do that.

“I want a team that is up for a fight and one which will provide entertaining football for the fans because that is very important too me. I want people to leave here on a Saturday with smiles on their faces.”

Smith got the ball rolling as early as the third minute as he provided a confident finish under advancing keeper Joe Welsh.

Green provided a peach of a pass to Smith who drilled past Welsh and Sheldon joined in the fun with an assured finish from close in to put the Linnets three up inside the opening 15 minutes.

Gainsly prodded past trialist keeper Jason White, who had a very quiet afternoon in the home goal, to give the Stutes hope but with Green tapping in from close range following more good work from Smith and Sheldon showing why he is going to be a force to be reckoned with next season the result was never in doubt.

The Linnets have two further friendlies to fine tune before the August 15 league start. Tomorrow night Brackley provide the opposition before another southern league outfit Rugby Town round pre- season off on Saturday.

King's Lynn: White, Magunda, Murray, Johnson, McAughtrie, Boyce, Smith, Lloyd, Sheldon,Birley, Green. Subs: Robinson, Martin, Webb, Rose. Whatsize.

Histon: Welsh, Mills, Obeze, Stewart, Bygrave, Andrews, Mason-Smith, Shaw, Gainsly, Henry, Sparks. Subs: Stevenson, Taff, O'brien, Stroud.

Referee: Jimmy Turner (King's Lynn).