Workington 1, King's Lynn 1

Martin Davis

A Jack Defty header earned the Linnets a valuable point from their long trek to Cumbria this afternoon.

The Linnets were making their first journey to Workington for some 25 years when they visited Borough Park to renew rivalries with 'the Reds' after the long lapse.

The Linnets had stayed overnight in Newcastle and apart from last Saturday's injury victim Bradley Thomas and long term victim Mark Peters, they had a full squad to choose from.

Keith Webb made one enforced change from last Saturday's line-up with Greg Crane replacing Thomas at centre half.

Jack Defty was down to lead the line and Adam Smith came in to take the number 11 shirt at the expense of Ben Sedgemore who reverted back to the bench.

John Turner who returned in place of the departed Danny Bloomfield.

Lynn kicked off on a cold but sunny Borough Park and had a great chance after eight minutes when Scott Mitchell found Smith who delivered a low cross to the edge of the area from which Mitchell pulled his shot badly wide with the goal at his mercy this was followed by heavy Reds pressure as they brought chances to Hopper and Arnison who had a shot well saved by Howie.

Workington took the lead on 18 minutes when following a right wing corner taken by Tony Wright Arnison headed the ball across the box for JOHNNY WRIGHT to head in at Howie's far post to gain the Reds a lead well deserved on the early play.

The Linnets responded and Workington keeper Adam Collin had to make a good save low down from a close range effort from Mitchell.

When Lynn movement involving Camm, Defty and Smith broke down the ball was played out to John Wright who broke from deep in his own half but was then stopped in the act of shooting by a foul tackle from Crane who was fortunate not to receive a caution.

The free kick was easily dealt with by the Linnets defence.

From the clearance Jack Defty found Frew on the Lynn right and he had a clear run down the line but his cross was a very poor attempt which went wildly over the bar.

For the Reds a cross from the right by John Wright caused Lynn a problem when Crane and Howie almost got in each others way but the keeper eventually held the ball to clear.

Just before half time Chapman had to have a lengthy stoppage for an injury which appeared to be a recurrence of his old shoulder trouble.

t Half-time: Workington 1, King's Lynn 0

Lynn's first chance of the second half came to Michael Frew who cutting in from the right hit his shot across the face of the goal and out for a goal kick.

Lynn made their first substitutions on 57 minutes with Turner replacing Joachim.

When John Wright for Workington picked up a long downfield ball he was only stopped by a great tackle from Crane but the forward should have done better as he was originally clean away.

Lynn were now having a spell of pressure but as in the first half their final ball kept letting them down when in promising positions.

Lynn now made a further substitution on 65 minutes with Francis replacing Chapman who had taken a knock earlier in the first half. Hopper played a good through ball for John Wright to chase but Howie was quick off his line to kick clear.

Jack Defty for Lynn found Turner who forced a corner which was taken by Francis who when the ball returned to him had a close range shot superbly blocked by Kyle May for another corner.

It was again taken by Francis from which JACK DEFTY with a glancing header at the near post brought Lynn back to level terms.

Lynn's second half pressure had reaped a dividend this was on 70 minutes.

The Reds responded with a left wing move involving full back Rowntree who passed to Arnison who laid the ball back for John Wright to power in a shot which was deflected for a corner but easily dealt with by the Lynn defenders.

Both sides now made substitutions with Workington bringing on Johnston for McLuckie while Lynn replaced Mitchell with Fisk.

The Reds substitute Johnston combining with Tony Wright put in Arnison forcing Howie to make a good diving save to his left.

At the other end Frew in turn forced a corner but Francis's deep kick was well held by Reds keeper Collin.

Workington now made a further substitute replacing Tony Wright with Hardman.

As the game drew towards its conclusion Workington forced a corner but play was held up for a lengthy injury to the substitute Johnston who had to be stretched off with a twisted knee to be replaced by Coleman.

Lynn's second half display had deserved their hard won point, a return to Borough Park next week to try conclusions with the Reds in the FA Trophy.

t Result: Workington 1, King's Lynn 1

t King's Lynn: Howie, Weaver, Chapman, Graham, Crane, Camm, Frew, Mitchell, J Defty, Joachim, Smith.

Subs: Sedgemore, Turner, Francis, Fisk.

t Workington: Collin, Hewson, Roundtree, May, Andrews, McLuckie, Vipond, Hopper, J Wright, Arnison, A Wright.

Subs: Robinson, Hardman, Tait, Coleman, Johnston.

t Referee: C Buxton, Accrington.

t Att: 325