Mark Hearle Michael Frew did his chances of forcing his way into Keith Webb's starting 11 for Saturday's Blue Square North opener at Burscough no harm at all with a starring role in Southern League Benevolent Cup stroll.

Mark Hearle

Michael Frew did his chances of forcing his way into Keith Webb's starting 11 for Saturday's Blue Square North opener at Burscough no harm at all with a starring role in Southern League Benevolent Cup stroll.

Frew headed in the opener, had a hand in Ben Sedgemore's stunning second and scored an outstanding third before David Bridgwater put the icing on the Linnets' cake, all in a pulsating opening 45 minutes.

It took outclassed opponents Hillingdon until 13 minutes from time to test a redundant Scott Howie, such was the home side's dominance.

Afterwards blond bomber Frew confirmed he is desperate to force his way into Webb's thinking for a regular starting position.

"I would be happy to play anywhere along the front line," he said. "I'd love to be in a central attacking role but I have to be realistic. Jack (Defty) is the boss's preferred option up top and with Julian (Joachim) there as well, plus Danny Bloomfield, I know my opportunities there are limited. All I can do is play to the best of my abilities and the gaffer will pick the side to do a job."

Joachim had Lynn's first chance of the day when he passed the ball just the wrong side of Matt Davis' left post. Davis clawed away Defty's snap shot but the keeper was a spectator as Frew and Stephen Melton combined to set up Bridgwater, whose cultured shot curled agonisingly wide.

Joachim again drove wide before the Linnets finally got their noses in front on 22 minutes.

Frew evaded the attentions of his marker Arron Keily and headed Simon Weaver's deep cross easily back past Davis from six yards. Frew sent another header just inches away from the target minutes later.

Dave Kendall put a header over Howie's bar in a rare Borough attack but the action quickly reverted to the other end, with Frew providing the trickery which allowed Sedgemore to pick his spot and beat Davis from 18 yards.

Tinio Christie drove over from distance but Frew quickly showed him how it should be done as he collected a bobbling loose ball and lobbed a bemused Davis from fully 25 yards as he caught the keeper slightly from his line.

The home side still weren't finished though and in first half stoppage time Bridgwater capped another outstanding display in the Linnets' engine room as he unleashed a 20-yard piledriver which gave Davis no chance and capped a fine opening spell for the home side.

With the game comfortably won it was understandable that the second spell would be a much tamer affair. Still, though, the home side continued to create chances. Defty saw defender Chris Paul clear his effort off the line, Bridgwater rattled the bar from close range and Danny Bloomfield skimmed the top of the same bar after Mark Camm's initial shot was only half saved by Davis.

Christie finally forced a save from Howie late on but it was Lynn who ended their pre-season on a high note and following the final whistle were presented with the Benevolent Cup for the first time in their history by Southern League chairman Ken Turner.

It was poignant moment for Lynn supporters as they bid a final farewell to the Southern League and looked forward to what life may bring them in Conference - with the dawn about to break this weekend.

King's Lynn: Howie, Weaver, Chapman, Peters, Crane (capt), Bridgwater, Frew, Sedgemore (Fisk 63), J Defty (Bloomfield 54), Joachim, Melton (Camm 18). Subs not used: C Defty, Kelly.

Hillingdon: Davis, Keily, Silva, King, Paul, Kendall, Jolin, Harris (Glynne 62), Dowdall (Oniru 45), Campbell (Lyons 54), Christie. Subs not used: Mongari, Lawrence.

Referee: S Long (Ipswich).

Attendance: 577.