Celebration time for King’s Lynn after South Shields victory at the Walks in National League North
It may have seemed like an eternity but it was worth the wait as King's Lynn Town celebrated their first win of 2024.
More than two months without a home win and a goal in front of their loyal supporters was blown away by a superb display against South Shields.
Lynn's home form this season has been a burden, but you could see and feel the relief inside the Walks after two goals from Jonathan Margetts and Quevin Castro clinched a 3-1 win.
“All the players were outstanding today,” said Lakeland.
”Tactically, very organised, very disciplined, against a very good footballing side.
“We forced an error for the first goal and Jonny’s second goal was something that we felt we could do within the game. His finish was instinctive, what a brilliant finish and then Castro came off the bench and wrapped it up for us.
“Probably the only downside for me within the game was the goal we conceded because for as good a footballing side as they are - and it's a really cute finish by their lad - we shouldn't be getting done by one straight ball. That's me nitpicking.
“I felt that the organisation, the shape, the distances, the discipline, the commitment and everything that we needed today was there with those little moments of quality when our opportunities came, and to be fair, I felt we really restricted a good side to not too many clear openings.”
Lakeland added: "There were five minutes after we went ahead where I felt we were a little bit erratic and they had two big chances, one hit the post.
"That was a big moment for us, but I think we've deserved that little bit of luck because we haven't had too much go our way, particularly here.
"I think for that one to hit the post and come out, they had one overhead kick, a great effort which went just wide and probably the only other effort that I remember is off a set play where Jonah has made a great save to his right."
Great pressing from Ben Stephens forced South Shields goalkeeper Myles Boney to lose his footing and Margetts slotted into an empty net for Lynn's opener after 13 minutes.
Four minutes before the break Stephens delivered a cross from the right and Margetts brilliantly volleyed into the roof of the net.
Two minutes after the restart South Shields were back in it with a predatory finish from the dangerous Paul Blackett at the far post.
The win was secured when Josh Coulson picked out Castro, who bent home Lynn’s third, and the joy was there for all to see in the celebrations that followed.