King's Lynn boss praises two-goal striker after late win over Alfreton Town in National League North
King's Lynn Town boss Tommy Widdrington praised the contribution of striker Ben Stephens after seeing his side hold off a second half comeback from Alfreton in a dramatic midweek win at The Walks.
The former Barwell frontman was the provider for Lynn's first goal against the Reds before putting his side 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time.
Stephens then registered for a second time in the last minute after Alfreton had levelled matters with two goals in the opening 14 minutes of the second half.
Widdrington said: "Ben is a good footballer. He's an intelligent footballer who is capable of playing in three or four positions for me if I'm honest with you.
"He played as a left wing-back at Chester, but played a little bit higher tonight. I felt he was the type of player who could find that little bit of space in the box if the right ball came in and that's exactly what he did.
"I'm still flabbergasted that he didn't score against Leamington the other week because he went through, a little bit like he did tonight, and he was closer but somehow the goalkeeper managed to save it.
"I'm very pleased for him as he has had to be patient.
"He didn't get on the pitch much in the first few games but he's go on and had an impact as a substitute and he's now had an impact as a starter, so from that point of view that's what I want all my players to do."
Lynn's boss was unconcerned at seeing his side squander another healthy half-time advantage.
Eleven days ago a 3-0 interval lead was turned into a 3-3 draw by Chester and for a brief time Alfreton looked like they might go home with a share of the spoils until Stephens struck.
"As we found out a week last Saturday at Chester, leading at half-time doesn't always guarantee you winning at the end," admitted Widdrington.
"In fairness to Alfreton, they have come out and put it on us in the second half and by hook or by crook have scored two goals.
"We reset and I think the best thing I didn't do was make a substitution. I was keen to make a change after they scored their second but I got my collar tagged by my two coaching staff, who said ' hold on and have a little rethink'.
"That's what we did and we ended taking off a completely different player. That's why I've got people around me who I trust, as I don't think for one minute that it's all about me in terms of the decision-making.
"The players have to take the credit. It's very difficult, as they found out at Chester, when you dominate the game and find yourselves ahead, but the cap is turned if you like.
"It's about us putting our foot down again and getting a little bit more out of the gas."
