Losing start for below-par Lynn

SOUTHERN League Premier Division title favourites King's Lynn got their challenge off to a disappointing start with a 2-0 defeat at The Walks.

SOUTHERN League Premier Division title favourites King's Lynn got their challenge off to a disappointing start with a 2-0 defeat at The Walks.

In an even opening both sides enjoyed plenty of possession. Paul Atkins combined with Matt Nolan who narrowly failed to connect with the former's pass.

Adam Smith blasted a free-kick over Gayle's bar from a central position.

The Yelpz created a golden chance on 18 minutes which Williams somehow managed to side-foot wide from two yards, with keeper Shaun Marshall floundering.

Lynn replied with a Smith fizzer from distance as the game continued to ebb and flow.

Halesowen again had a great chance to take the lead, however Cowley fired wide.

Thorsdick, however, made no mistake as he blasted the visitors ahead shortly before the half hour after Williams' initial shot had cannoned to him via a home defender.

The Linnets continued to persevere with their long-ball tactic, which was paying no dividends, with Preston and Knight in commanding form at the centre of the visitors' defence.

Atkins glanced a header wide from O'Halloran before Lewis chipped over for the Yelpz as they continued to look the better side.

Half-time: King's Lynn 0, Halesowen 1.

Smith forced a corner at the beginning of the second spell as the hosts attempted to gain a foothold in the match.

Jack Defty fired a pile-driver wide of Gayle's post following some neat Nolan approach work.

Halesowen's Lewis found himself clear of the home defence, and was only denied a second goal by Smith's last-gasp intervention to clear the danger.

Lee Hyde headed over for a corner as the Linnets gradually began to attempt to wrestle the advantage from their opponents.

However, they were to be undone by a sucker-punch as Williams' hard and low drive found its way past Marshall courtesy of West's deflection following more poor home defensive work.

Tommy Taylor introduced Kennedy and Frazer Toms as he continued to search for a change of fortune.

Cowley blasted over from a tight angle as yet again Lynn's defence was picked open.

This was clearly not going to be the Linnets' day, and all concern at the Walks will be hoping for a great improvement on Tuesday as they travel to Hitchin Town for their first away league encounter of the new season.

King's Lynn: Marshall, West, Smith, Hyde, Camm, McMahon, J Defty, Carey, Nolan, Atkins, O'Halloran. Subs; Frew, Kennedy, C Defty, Brooks, Toms.

Halesowen Town: Sayle, Warner, Hayward, Preston, Knight, Beckett, Cowley, Lewis, Szewczyk, Williams, Forsdick. Subs: Cooper, Pierpoint, Dowdell, Smith, Brindley.

Referee: M George (North Walsham)

Attendance: 769