Plenty of positives as Linnets are beaten by the Canaries

King’s Lynn Town started their pre-season preparations with a 6-1 defeat at the hands of near-neighbours Norwich City at The Walks.

The Championship outfit proved a class above the Linnets and took a 5-1 lead into the interval after a dominant first-half display.

National League North Lynn fielded a number of new players and triallists as they continue to rebuild their squad – light on numbers – against a Norwich side who included four of their summer signings.

Despite the final scoreline, there were plenty of positives for Linnets boss Mark Hughes to take out of the 90 minutes.

Hughes said: “Really, really good workout.

“The second half was really pleasing – we lost it 1-0 but I thought we had three or four really good chances and probably should have won the second half.

“Up until the fourth goal we were really in the game. Josh Barrett and Ben Stevenson were causing them problems.

“But we changed it at half-time, and the boys that came on listened really well. That’s why as a staff we were pleased that they took on board what we were saying. We could see the problem, but it’s difficult to get that message across when the half’s going on.

“That’s the really pleasing thing to take away from the game. First half I just thought they were fantastic – it’s a top-end Championship side.

“The movement in midfield, they’re so clinical, and just that sharpness, you could see the levels.”

“We’ve only been back a week now, and what a way to start pre-season.

“I’m really, really happy with that, and no one has come away with any injuries, that’s the main thing. It’s minutes in the legs, so pleasing day all-round, forgetting about the scoreline.

“I spoke to the boys after the game. If anybody wants to play higher, you’ve got to just see their physicality, the way they move the ball, their pictures before they receive it.”

Next up for the Linnets is a home game against Lincoln City tomorrow night.

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