King’s Lynn climb out of the National League North drop zone with huge victory at Gloucester City

greg.plummer@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 18:39, 03 February 2024

Gloucester City 1 King's Lynn Town 2

King's Lynn Town picked up their first win of 2024 to lift themselves out of the National League North relegation zone.

Owen Devonport and Johnny Margetts scored their first goals for the club to put Lynn 2-0 in front after the interval before Theo Robinson netted an injury-time consolation for the Tigers.

Adam Lakeland's side were also given a helping hand by Boston United, who inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Southport, as Lynn leapfrogged the Sandgrounders into 20th spot in the league standings.

Johnny Margetts after scoring his first-ever King's Lynn Town goal this afternoon. Picture: Tim Smith

Johnny Margetts scores King's Lynn Town's second goal at Gloucester City. Picture: Tim Smith

Reflecting on a massive win for Lynn - their first since before Christmas - boss Lakeland said: "I thought it was a super performance.

"I didn't think we played with enough tempo and purpose in the first half but we probably wasn't helped by the long stoppage.

"They finished the first half better than us but I always felt that the game was there for us.

Ben Stephens was back from suspension this afternoon. Picture: Tim Smith

Striker Owen Devonport. Picture: Tim Smith

"I thought the second half we were fantastic and scored two great goals. We were well worthy of the three points over the 90 minutes and it's a massive win for us."

On Lynn's two goalscorers, Lakeland added: "I'm always pleased whenever any player gets off the mark. Owen has done well in the majority of the games he has played for us.

"He has given us a focal point and it was good to see him show that striker's instinct to score after a great piece of combination play in the build-up to the goal.

Johnny Margetts after finally opening his King's Lynn goal account. Picture: Tim Smith

Johnny Margetts congratulates Owen Devonport after his opening goal against Gloucester City. Picture: Tim Smith

"Johnny was unlucky where the ball has come back off the inside of the post but the ball has come back in and he's finished it over the goalkeeper.

"For both of them to get off the mark it will settle them down and hopefully they'll go on and score a few more."

Before the game, Lynn announced that midfielder George Morrison's loan from Fleetwood Town has been extended until the end of the current campaign.

Lakeland will give his players the day off on Monday before working hard on the training ground in preparation for their next away trip to Alfreton on February 17.

"The lads will have Monday off, they've deserved it," he said.

"They'll be back in on Tuesday and working hard for the trip to Alfreton, but I want them to enjoy this win as it's long overdue and I don't feel that much luck has gone their way recently."

Action between Gloucester City and King's Lynn Town. Picture: Tim Smith

Manager Adam Lakeland on the touchline. Picture: Tim Smith

Gloucester City: Armstrong, McGrory, Hamilton, Ram, Leeeson (Beresford 73), Hanks (Smalley 22), Durrell, Rowe, Pinchard, Wright, Robinson. Subs (not used): Dennis, Tolley, O’Boyle.

Scorer: Robinson 90+3.

King's Lynn Town: Jones, Ronan, McFadden, Taylor, Coulson, Crowe, Hargreaves, Morrison, Devonport (Cybulski 75), Margetts (Castro 80), Stephens (Hughes 90+5). Subs (not used): Hughes, Rogers, Dixon-Hodge.

Booked: Crowe.

Scorers: Devonport 58, Margetts 72

Attendance: 1087.

Football Greg Plummer