KING'S LYNN maintained their challenge for promotion from the Southern League Premier Division thanks to a goal in each half from Matt Nolan at Tiverton Town.

Southern League Premier Division: Tiverton Town 1, King's Lynn 2

KING'S LYNN maintained their challenge for promotion from the Southern League Premier Division thanks to a goal in each half from Matt Nolan at Tiverton Town.

The Linnets fielded exactly the same line-up for the third week running, hoping to extend their eight-game unbeaten run in their quest for the title.

Lynn were first to threaten but Anselin's cross was cut out just in front of Cooper, up with the attack.

West forced the game's first corner after six minutes but the kick was cleared upfield, where a left-wing cross into the Lynn area was missed by everyone in front of goal.

After nine minutes, Lynn went in front when Smith raced down the left and crossed perfectly for NOLAN to fire past the home 'keeper from 18 yards.

A late tackle on Nolan by home number eight Bale earned him a caution and, from the kick, Nolan was just shut out before shooting.

A long throw by Tiverton's Holloway caused problems for Lynn, but McMahon cleared to safety.

Another free-kick for Lynn was knocked behind for a corner, but Smith's kick was poor and easily cleared.

A dangerous kick on the Lynn 'keeper by Holloway brought him a yellow card, but Benstead recovered after treatment.

A couple of dodgy clearances by former Wisbech 'keeper Ovendale brought raucous comments by the Lynn supporters behind his goal, but he eventually made a clean kick a few minutes later.

Lynn's O'Halloran then received similar treatment from the home fans following his attempt to do a Ronaldo-style step-over - falling over in the attempt.

Half-time - Tiverton Town 0, King's Lynn 1.

As expected, Tiverton exerted some pressure from the restart, but caused no problems.

After 50 minutes, NOLAN scored again following good work by West and McMahon to put Lynn 2-0 up.

Tiverton had a great chance a couple of minutes later, but Booth firedwildly over from a few yards and then O'Connell headed over when well placed.

Lynn came back but O'Halloran was crowded out and Nolan was stopped a little later. Charles replaced O'Halloran after 65 minutes.

Tiverton did bundle the ball past Benstead after 68 minutes, but the assistant referee's flag meant the goal was disallowed.

An Anselin shot forced Ovendale to save at full stretch and a lob by Defty was just wide.

Booth and Croft were then replaced by Hambly and Beddow for Tiverton.

With 10 minutes to go, Nolan and Defty combined well, but the Nolan's final effort went wide. Defty was then replaced by Hammond.

Nolan was denied his hat-trick minutes from the end when he chipped his defender but hit the post with Ovendale well beaten.

With three minutes to go, HOLLOWAY pulled a goal back for Tiverton and it was game on for the final few minutes.

The Linnets held on to maintain their promotion challenge.

t Tiverton Town: Ovendale, Booth, Davies, Gould, Croft, Milsom, Ampadu, Bale, McConnell, Holloway, Mudge. Subs: Mogan, Hambly, Beddow, Skinner, Kelly.

t King's Lynn: Bestead, West, Smith, McMahon, Cooper, Camm, Defty, Anselin, Nolan, Carey, O'Halloran. Subs: Peters, Hammond, Harvey, Charles, Higgs.

t Attendance: 351