Cambridge City 5, King's Lynn 1: King's Lynn boss Keith Webb urged his men to learn lessons from this pre-season wake up call at their Blue Square South neighbours.

Cambridge City 5, King's Lynn 1

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb urged his men to learn lessons from this pre-season wake up call at their Blue Square South neighbours.

Lynn were coasting after Joe Francis edged the visitors in front with his second strike since a big money summer move from Woodbridge Town. Michael Gash drew City level just past the half hour mark.

Lee Roach's introduction sparked a second half collapse allied to some shambolic defending from the Southern Premier promotion hopefuls.

The pacy frontman notched a rapid brace and teed up Gash for a simple second all inside 11 minutes. Mark Warren's attempted headed back pass sailed over young traillist keeper Michael Hilton to complete the rout.

"We gave away some silly goals," admitted Webb. "The second half was a little disappointing. Before the break we had control of the game but the match is 90 minutes. At half time we told them how well they'd done. Whether I do that again in a hurry remains to be seen - you can only do what you feel is right at the time.

"It's got to be a good learning curve for us. There is no need to panic because we still have a long way to go until the season starts. Better to get a performance like this now during pre-season then be in a position when it happens early on in the league. We can't afford that with a lot of away games in what we'll be a hard start for us."

Webb revealed Lynn's expected first choice stopper Scott Howie had yet to finalise a deal at the club. Howie has played 45 minutes of Lynn's pre-season campagin but is expected to replace Paul Crichton who has is set to take up a football league coaching role.

"No, it isn't signed and sealed yet," said Webb. "Things are still up in the air. We want him but it needs to be sorted out quickly. Hopefully Scott will be involved as soon as possible. If not, we'll have to go for other keepers.

"Young Michael needs a little bit more experience coming into this level. You'll never find that out if you don't throw them in, but he'll learn from some of his decision-making in this game."

Ex-Notts Forest midfield triallist Robert Hughes snubbed Lynn on the eve of their Milton Road trip to join Northern Premier Stamford. The Daniels eased to a 2-1 win at the weekend over Tommy Taylor's Boston United in Taylor's first match in charge.

Former Norwich academy youngster Andrew Fisk impressed in a solid 45-minute outing for Webb's side alongside ex-Tamworth midfielder Shaun Ridgway.

"We will talk with Andy to see what he wants to do," confirmed Webb. "As far as I'm aware he doesn't have any other irons in the fire so I would like to keep him involved. It's possible we could do something.

"The boy Hughes decided to go elsewhere. He told me he was willing to give us a look but ended up making an early decision. He played for Histon in midweek but has signed for Stamford - that is his prerogative.

"Shaun is another one I need to sit down with. He probably didn't have as good a second half in this game but he laid on a great ball for our goal."

Webb ruled out a return for former Alfreton defender Andy Tiday who featured against Norwich City. The Linnets' chief was boosted by the injury comebacks of Greg Crane and Jack Defty at Milton Road - Defty handed a late second half cameo in the absence of the unavailable Danny Bloomfield.

"Andy won't be coming back," said Webb. "To be honest we don't think he is good enough so we will now look at other avenues."

Cambridge City (starting XI): Davis, E'Beyer, Everitt, Chaffey, Fuff, Bowditch, Wales, Simpson, Gash, Midgley, Radcliffe.

Goals: Gash (32, 62), Roach (53, 64), Warren og (69)

King's Lynn: Hilton, West, Chapman, Warren, Crane (C Defty 77), Fisk (Camm 45), O'Halloran (Melton 66), Ridgway, Nolan (Turner 55), Frew (J Defty 72), Francis (Fell 84). Subs (all used).

Goal: Turner (23)

Referee: H Marren (Barhill)