It is fair to say King’s Lynn Town’s opening-day performance matched a summer like no other at the football club.
There has been a typhoon of activity since the end of last season, and at times on Saturday, Lynn threatened to blow the visitors away.
Fans were treated to a performance full of energy and attacking intent from the club’s new-look side during the 1-1 draw at home to AFC Telford United.
Linnets’ head coach James Rowe said: “I’m so proud, because we’re a young group and the enthusiasm and the attacking intent that we played was outstanding.
“To have 24 shots at home, you expect to score more than one goal. And I think we got 34 box entries as well, so those stats back up the pride, really.
“And 1-0 at home against us at half-time, as a young group could have gone the other way, but they’ve shown great character. They’ve come out even stronger and we played better in the second half.
“I thought for 30 minutes before their goal, we were very, very good. And again, that shows a young group that, after their goal, they had the best spell of their game.
“So we need to make sure we react better when adversity comes, that’ll come as we learn along the journey.
“But my overriding feeling is pride.”
Rowe, himself, was a man utterly immersed in the ebb and flow of the game.
From the technical area, the head coach poured his energy into a youthful side that had to recover from the setback of going behind in front of new owner Joseph Phua, who had jetted in from Singapore for a whirlwind visit.
It took a Michael Gyasi strike just before the hour to secure a point after Matt Stenson’s 35th-minute penalty had put the visitors in front.
Phua made his feelings known in an online blog soon after the final whistle as he headed back to his homeland.
“Today marked the opening game of the season, King’s Lynn Town at home to AFC Telford United.
“We drew 1–1, but the result only tells part of the story. What stood out was the spirit – a young team that’s come together quickly, holding their own in a physical contest and playing with energy, resilience, and pride.
“More than the football, it was about the people. I met local community leaders, business owners, and sponsors, all whom care deeply about the club’s future.
“I spent time with leaders from the Trust, whose guidance and commitment to the club’s direction I value deeply.
“Bal, our CEO, is doing a fantastic job alongside the office and media teams, volunteers (including Norman!), and everyone who gives their time to this club.
“This club belongs to the town and the community. We are only custodians. My hope is that, in time, most of the club will be run by the community, with us playing a supportive role from the sidelines.
“Thank you to everyone. I’m excited for what this season will bring.”
And he won’t be the only one with those sentiments after Saturday’s performance against the Bucks.
