Linnets have momentum going into final game

The Linnets’ tremendous win over Scunthorpe United on Good Friday typified for me most what makes non-league football the special spectacle it is for those who attend regularly, as well as wondering why many more don’t.A buzzing crowd of more than 2,300 were treated to a match played between two honest teams who gave their all in a frantic, often pulsating, encounter with both outfits desperate to earn the three vital National League North points on offer.The only goal of the game arrived early in the first half via the head of the man mountain that is Gold Omotayo, which at that juncture, capped off a fine period of home play.Minutes into the second spell, the hosts passed over the perfect chance to double their advantage through Matt Warburton, who somehow managed to clear the bar with his effort when it seemed easier to score.The miss seemed like an invisible signal to the visitors who, from that moment onwards, laid virtual siege to the home goal and eventually, through a mixture of fine goalkeeping, resolute defending and poor shooting.The referee blew his whistle shortly before 5pm to huge home cheers, which I understand were heard over at the railway station, such was the noise.I don’t think that anyone could have left The Walks on Friday feeling short-changed from a game which both sets of supporters bought into and both sets of players gave everything they had for their club’s cause. I’ve said before that Gold is probably one of the most frustrating players who has ever pulled on a Lynn shirt down the years, dividing so many supporters’ opinions along the way. On Friday, I thought he was magnificent at both ends of the field.Yes, he scored what turned out to be the winning goal, but before and after that, he was also busy battling two rugged central defenders, mostly on his own due to Town’s formation, as well as being an important cog in defence at the other end.If only he could produce more of those types of performances regularly, he surely wouldn’t be playing National League football. Cody Johnson, to me, looks like a real player who has a very bright future in professional football in the years to come.Adam Lakeland has had to be careful with him since he arrived at Lynn as he continues to play games for parent club Stockport County as well, meaning the Lynn boss has to be mindful of the youngster’s workload. The young man won the sponsors’ man of the match award, which I probably would have given to the experienced Kyle McFadden, who was in outstanding form at the heart of the hardworking home defence.McFadden has probably enjoyed his best season in blue & gold this term, following some injury problems in the past and it was pleasing to see him turn in such a commanding performance. I also thought that Lakeland and his assistant Sam Walker got their tactics spot on last Friday and made their substitutions at the right times to manage the game in a decently controlled manner.I have to admit to not being that impressed with Scunthorpe following what was a disjointed performance.As I said earlier, their effort and work rate were 100% and cannot be questioned, but they looked to have a few too many players not on it, which resulted in them not being able to create that many clear scoring chances.Nothing, however, should be taken away from the Linnets, who thoroughly deserved their win on the day. After putting so much into Friday’s game there was always going to be a few niggling doubts about Monday’s game at already-relegated Needham Market about energy levels.But the Linnets yet again found a way to win a game with a goal three minutes from time from defender Kian Ronan proving the difference between the sides as the visitors claimed another huge three league points.For me, it’s been the ‘finding a way to win a game’ scenario that has made such a difference in the results of late for Lynn, an area in which they struggled at times over the season.Another late, important goal shows that the team can go the full 90 minutes and search for that winning strike, and are patient with it. That’s now just one defeat for Lynn in the last ten games, something that Adam and his squad should be applauded for as they have hit a rich vein of form at just the right time.Following another extraordinary afternoon of National League North football, Lynn sit in fifth position in the league ahead of this weekend’s final league fixture of the season with fourth-placed Chester at The Walks.There are far too many permutations as to what could happen, but simply the Linnets need a point at the weekend to guarantee themselves a place in the play-offs, which begin next week with games being played on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.If they do manage to achieve a play-off finish, it will be some achievement. True, the team, for the most part, have always been in and around the action areas this season, without ever looking like cast iron certainties (which they are still not).The inconsistent nature of the league has, in the end, helped Town as others, like themselves have faulted at times since last August. All in all a nervy Saturday afternoon awaits.One team who are certain of the play-offs are Downham Town, after failing narrowly to gain automatic promotion from the Eastern Counties League.Their derby win over Heacham at the Memorial Field on Monday means they have home advantage over Ely City in the play-off semi-final this Saturday and with it a very good chance of making the final.Best wishes to all for the weekend.