King’s Lynn rink hockey players end 2023 with a demolition job over Manchester

Rink hockey players from Lynn ended the year in fine style with a 9-0 demolition of Manchester at Alive Lynnsport on Saturday evening.

The game started with quite a high intensity with Manchester opting to try to press the home side and it was clear from the outset it would be a physical game.

Lynn began well, playing the ball around and attempting to put their mark on the game.

However, after a few missed opportunities a rebound from a penalty was converted by the hosts.

Manchester were able to absorb some of the pressure, and with the away goalkeeper playing well Lynn was only able to find the back of the net twice more before half-time.

Inspired by their first-half performance, dominating possession and defending well, Lynn’s main objective in the second half was to try to keep a clean sheet in the game, as they knew scoring opportunities would arrive.

The team did just that with goals spread throughout the team, most notably during a six-minute spell where Lynn were able to score three goals.

Ryan Barnes, Harvey Dugdale, Josh Futter, Jamie Griffin (2), Josh Yalor (2) Owen Norris and Jack Tucker were all on the scoresheet for the home side.

The final result was 9-0 to the hosts, a fantastic end to the year, capping off what was brilliant team performance with a clean sheet.

Credit to the Manchester team who were up for a battle, and an inspired performance by the visiting goalkeeper.

Lynn go into 2024 sitting second behind Soham on goal difference in the Premier League standings.

Captain Vancouver Man-of-the-match, sponsored by Adrian Flux, went to Josh Taylor, who led the team to victory with a brace and a commanding all-round performance.

Matchday squad: Josh Taylor, Ryan Barnes, Owen Norris, Jack Tucker, Jamie Griffin, Bethan McCarthy, Josh Futter, Harvey Dugdale, Josh Roberts, Imogen Senter. Coach: Andy Horn.

Thanks to the referees, timekeepers, sponsors and supporters.

This was also Neville Davis’ last match as a Premier League referee, the club would like to thank him for his officiating over the years.