Cirencester defeated by King's Lynn (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester defeated by King's Lynn

Cirencester Town 0, King's Lynn 2

THE Centurions are set for a gloomy Christmas after suffering a setback in their fight against relegation from the Southern League Premier Division.

On a perfect pitch, both teams knocked the ball about smartly in the opening phases.

On 15 minutes, Lynn's Adam Jones was put clear on the right by Danny Bloomfield but slashed wide of Cirencester's goal.

Bloomfield did the same moments later when he picked up a loose ball on the edge of Town's box.

Cirencester's Mark Danks lost his marker, Sam McMahon, on 28 minutes. Picking up a Lee Smith pass, he crossed to the far post where Gareth Hopkins was inches off connecting. He probably should have netted.

Lynn took the lead on 31 minutes when a quick counter-attack, after considerable Cirencester pressure, saw Jones again go clear on the right.

With Town's Darren Robison late onto Mark Camm's pass into the danger zone, Jones cut the ball back to Bloomfield on the edge of the box.

Bloomfield's shot was blocked shot but O'Halloran was on the spot to net the rebound from 12 yards.

In the second half, The Linnets dug in.

A superb defensive display, organised by Grant Cooper, meant that, while Cirencester threatened, they never really pressured John Higgs in Lynn's goal.

Danks wriggled clear a few times, without support, and only Neil Arndale and sub, Scott Musgrove, got shots off for Cirencester.

Lynn were also short in the shots department but got the clincher on 55 minutes when Defty wrong footed Robison in the centre circle.

When the ball broke downfield, Bloomfield clearly handled on the left to control it but was clear to knock it back to O' Halloran who shot clinically inside the far post for 2 - 0.

Lynn, playing well within themselves and looking well organised, rode out Cirencester's challenges and finished deserved winners.

Man of the Match: Cooper (Kings Lynn) Cirencester: Paul Thompson, Neil Arndale (c), Craig Fullam, Michael Jackson, Gary Horgan, Adi Viveash, Darren Robison, Lee Smith Scott Musgrove 45, Gareth Hopkins, Mark Danks, Steve Cowe. King's Lynn: John Higgs, Dean West, Adam Smith, Sam McMahon, Grant Cooper, Mark Camm, Jack Defty Danny Hammond 70, Cedric Anselim, Adam Jones, Danny Bloomfield, Matt O'Halloran Luke Fell 78. Referee: Mr J Holbrook (Kidderminster) Attendance: 171