King’s Lynn Town skipper Michael Clunan says Saturday’s emphatic 4-0 win over Merthyr Town was just reward for the team’s performances in the opening weeks of the season.
The Linnets hit back in style after the Bank Holiday setback at Chorley, where two red cards contributed to a 4-0 defeat.
Michael Gyasi struck twice, with Reece Hall-Johnson and Ross Crane also on target in a thumping home win.
“It feels good,” said Clunan. “The first two games were frustrating because based on the performances and the number of chances we created, we should really have won both.
“To finally get that win at home, with a clean sheet as well, was a great feeling.”
Kick-off was held up for 40 minutes after Merthyr’s coach broke down on the way to Norfolk, but Lynn weren’t in the mood for sympathy.
Chasing their first National League North victory at The Docherty Walks Stadium after two 1-1 draws, they wasted no time in setting the tone.
Despite the disrupted build-up with a delayed kick-off, the Linnets captain praised his side for sticking to their routine.
“The message was to stay calm and do our normal preparation,” he said.
“We came out at the same time, went in at the same time, and didn’t let the delay affect us. I thought the game plan worked perfectly.”
“Merthyr looked a little sluggish after a long journey, and we took full advantage.”
Clunan also stressed the importance of being more clinical in front of goal consistently.
“When we finish our chances, it can be four or five goals, as we saw today. But we need to be ruthless every week, not just every other game.
“Michael Gyasi was brilliant again and deserved his two goals. And to keep a clean sheet as well was really pleasing.”
Attention now turns quickly to Tuesday night’s home clash against Kidderminster Harriers – a fixture Clunan is relishing.
“It’s always a cracker under the lights. I love Tuesday nights here – hopefully there’ll be a bit of zip on the pitch and a bumper crowd.
“Kidderminster are a big side and it’ll be a tough test, but it’s the sort of game you look forward to.”
The captain also took time to thank the Linnets supporters, who once again created a strong atmosphere at the Walks.
“The fans were brilliant today. After the third goal, you could really hear them getting behind us, but to be fair, they’ve been great from the start.
“Even after the 4-0 defeat at Chorley, with nine men, they clapped us off and sang our songs.
“That support means a lot. Hopefully, with more performances like today, we can bring even more people through the gates.”
King’s Lynn Town: Chadwick, Hall-Johnson, Clements, Doherty, Wilson, Clunan, Gyasi (Omotayo 88), Nyahwema (Collins 54), Dickens, Williams (Maja 85), Crane. Subs not used: Jones, Fleming, Lambert, Van Lier.
Booked: Wilson, Hall-Johnson, Collins.
Scorers: Gyasi 17, 21, Hall-Johnson 59, Crane 81
Merthyr Town: Cogman, Ryan-Phillips, Handley, Jarvis (Williams 78), John (Sambu 70), Smalley (K. Evans 70), Rees, Twamley, J Evans, Lewis (Smerdon 78), Lucas (Livermoor 70). Subs: A. Harris, M. Harris.
Booked: J. Evans, Smerdon.
Attendance: 1,257.
