Failure to beat relegation-threatened Hitchin twice in a three-week spell has now deeply-dented Lynn's title bid, and the frustration of some Linnets' fans boiled over at the final whistle.

Former Linnet Darran Hay's side jumped out of the bottom four for the first time in months, after coming back from two goals down at half-time by former Canary Matt Nolan.

The turning point was Lynn keeper Scott Howie being sent off for the first time ever after handling a Mark Barnes effort outside the penalty area.

Substitute keeper Rob Murray came on and Jack Defty went off, thus losing Defty's ability to hold the ball up and release pressure.

Howie's one match suspension starts on April 1. He will miss the match following this date, which is scheduled to be against Team Bath.

In the first five minutes Paul Barnes had a golden chance to give Hitchin an early lead when he was set up by his brother Mark, but shot wide from six yards.

In the 17th minute, Nolan finished well from close range, after a cross from Rikki Bains.

Nolan scored again in the 33rd minute, taking the ball well when a Ben Chapman centre deceived the defence and placing the ball past home keeper Martin Bennett.

Lynn could not register a meaningful chance after the break as Hitchin deserved to draw level.

This was thanks to goals on 62 and 86 minutes. Firstly, a high ball by Paul Barnes was played across goal by sub Jon Stevenson and Luke Gregson netted from six yards.

The pressure built in the final ten minutes, and Stevenson curled home.

Murray had no chance with either goal.

Hitchin: Bennett, Deeney, Pepper (Davies 81), Williams, Gilbert (Stevenson 51), Smith, Lewis, Gregson, P. Barnes (Harusha 88), M. Barnes, Olaleye.

Lynn: Howie, Bains, Chapman, Hoyte, Crane, Camm, Turner (Melton 60), Sedgemore, J. Defty (Murray 37), Nolan (Frew 79), Francis. Subs not used: Bloomfield, West.

Attendance: 447. Referee: D. Bushell.