Sports Update - W/E 21st & 22nd Feb

Lynn under investigation, Magpies rise like a phoenix and Hunstanton Men’s Indoor Bowls team top table despite loss

Football

King’s Lynn Town FC are being investigated by the National Conference League (NCL) for allegedly trying to influence the postponement of their Conference League North match against leaders South Shields last week.

The game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

An anonymous source has released CCTV images, which appear to show a single sprinkler operating in one corner of the already sodden grounds.

In a statement the National League says it is, "aware of the allegations and conducting an investigation".

If Lynn is found guilty it faces forfeiting the game - whilst a potential points deduction would seriously hamper their fight for survival from relegation.

On the pitch, if Lynn were hoping for a Macclesfield hangover after their FA Cup 4th Round tie against Premiership side Brentford last week they were gravely mistaken on Saturday. Despite starting well, the Linnets trailed 1-0 at the break, before imploding in the second half conceding three goals in twenty minutes. 

Manager, Ian Culverhouse, took full responsibility, saying, “The defence was too open at times, and that played straight into their hands as I picked the wrong side.” 

Lynn are in 19th place, four points above the drop zone, and travel to Buxton tomorrow evening (Tuesday).

Heacham's George Hutton in action

What a difference a week can make. Heacham FC were bottom of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division ten days ago, but two consecutive wins and six points have lifted them off the foot of the table, out of the relegation zone and four points clear of the drop.

Having beaten Lakenheath last week, the Magpies welcomed fellow strugglers Hadleigh United on Saturday in a six pointer, with both sides knowing the importance of the fixture.

Sam Pishorn clash that resulted in his split lip injury

In fact it was the visitors who took the game straight to their hosts trying to bully control. An early challenge on Heacham's keeper, Sam Pishorn, could well have warranted more than just a yellow card. 

Hadleigh nearly took the lead after a mix up but the ball ricocheted off the post into the bloodied Pishorn's arms.

Tom Papworth-Boston scores opening goal

Heacham tweaked their formation and began to settle, controlling proceedings. They then took the lead when impressive recent signing, Tom Papworth-Boston, broke, managing to round the visiting keeper and slot the ball home on 33 minutes. 

Manager, Mark Hunter, has explained the importance of game management. His players did just that, scoring an early second half goal through Colby Wood. 

HFC's Colby Wood celebrating after scoring

Hadleigh huffed and puffed but could find no way back and Heacham saw the game out to deservedly claim all three points. Quick to praise the team’s composure and growing maturity, manager, Mark Hunter, says, “Stage one was to get off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation zone, next it’s about building a points gap. We’ve got confidence and rhythm now.”

The tasty encounter was well marshalled by local referee, James Durham.

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rover’s aim for a top two finish is all but over after a 3-1 loss at lowly Waveney. A depleted Derse side actually started the game the stronger, but sloppy defending meant they went three down. 18 year old debutant, Kenzie Tyler, with the consolation goal. 

In Division Three Heacham Reserves secured an excellent 5-1 win at AFC Lynn. A brace from Tom Hawkins and a goal apiece for Vinny Marchetti, Alfie Buhlemann and Jaden Poore bagging all three points. Heacham remain in 6th but are within striking distance of the leaders with games in hand.

In Division Four, Ingoldisthorpe FC’s superb 2-1 win at Wroxham Development means they leapfrogged their opponents into 3rd place. Man of the Match, Brad Rix, and Aaron Herbert with the goals in a crucial win.
Dersingham Reserves disappointing 1-1 home draw against winless Gayton Reserves has slightly derailed their late promotion push. However, games in hand mean they can mathematically still go 2nd. Sonny Devlin with the goal.

Indoor Bowls

Hunstanton’s Men’s Indoor Bowls team now top Division Four of the Norfolk County League outright despite a 5.5-1.5 loss at Lowestoft Railway B. 

Rivals, Lynnsport B’s 6-1 loss at Gallow C means Hunstanton’s better losing score puts them top with just three games to go with a mouthwatering visit to Lynnsport B next month that could decide the title.

Lowestoft Railway B’s win over Hunstanton means they are also back in contention, just three points back in 3rd place.

HFC images Phill Gwilliam