Netherton United's incredible run of twenty five consecutive League and Cup wins ended yesterday at the Alive LynnSports Barn Arena by a very strong and organised Kings Lynn Elite.
United had been on this winning streak since September 2017 and would of been confident of extending this after 4 straight wins in the JPL Midlands East Division. The Hosts from Kings Lynn have had some mixed results so far this season, and United (on paper) would surely of been favourites to pick up another 3 points
However, the Home side were strong and physical from the start and kept the ball well in the opening 20 minutes of the game, although both teams were strong going forward.
United squandered two early chances with Vaickelionis hitting the post and Radic pulling a shot wide. Bob Horne had an early introduction to the game, coming on for Radic after just 10 minutes after he had signalled he was feeling unwell.
Kings Lynn had a couple of chances, the best of them hit the post following a superb move and strike. And they too missed a good chance to take the lead towards the end of the first quarter. (0-0)

Rotational changes were made by United for the beginning of the second period, with Gokmen, Leesons,Fin Henderson and Nowicki coming on for Oakley, Harvey Henderson, Thomas and Hussain and the game soon tilted towards the home side after they deservedly scored in the 26th minute. A neat piece of play down their left hand side allowed the winger time and space to pull the ball across the six yard area and an unmarked forward had an open goal to put the ball into.
United offered very little in this quarter and went into the HT break fortunate to be just one goal down. (1-0)

The 3rd quarter started and again the changes were made. Radic, Nowicki and Vaickelionis were put together up front to try and open up any spaces in behind the three man Kings Lynn defence, and in the 47th minute after some quick play by United the ball was crossed by Radic (now feeling better) to Vaickelionis who was just too late to reach the ball at the back post for a simple tap in, but he worked hard to keep the ball from going out for a goal kick, and his deft cross back into the goal area held up in the very strong wind, the keeper misjudged the flight of the ball and could then only parry it into his own net, although giving the benefit of doubt; it was possibly already over the line. (1-1).

Kings Lynn were looking a little ragged at this point and were guilty of a couple of very strong and late tackles, all of which were given by a very good referee. United were dominating this third period and it looked like they could go on and get another goal, however the period seemed to just fly past and it ended with no further score. (1-1)

Despite the fact United were seemingly back in the game, the KL formation was causing the midfield of United to be outnumbered and so united went 3 at the back to compensate this and were punished for it just three minutes into the last quarter, Berzan Gokmen given two chances to clear the ball out of a dangerous area and when the ball was stolen from him at the second attempt it left an easy ball into the path of the striker to fire past Berezowski and regain the lead for the home side (2-1)

Just five minutes later and with Kings Lynn again starting to look the stronger side, Euan Hattersley tried a clever piece of skill to get past two forwards inside our final third, when an easy pass out wide must of been a better option, he was then robbed of the ball, leaving the striker through on goal 18 yards out, his powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Berezowski only to fall for the second forward; who in fairness had reacted quicker than anyone in red, and he tapped home from six yards to make it 3-1.

With 12 minutes left to play United decided to start passing and looking after the ball better, and this gave them a belief that something could still be got from the game, and in the 72nd minute Radic had the ball played through to him on the six yard line and he calmly rounded the lunging slide tackle from the Centre half, composed himself, looked up and neatly slotted the ball into the net. (3-2)

United were now fully up for the fight and should of made it 3-3 with five minutes to go. Radic again causing problems down the left, and he skipped past his marker and sent in a dangerous ball which fizzed across the face of the goal, where Lewis Leesons who had made a great run from midfield just couldn't get enough of his outstretched foot to it and it skimmed off his studs and wide of an open goal.
Vaickelionis also had a good chance with minutes left to play, but he hesitated instead of shooting from almost on the penalty spot and was then crowded out, and forced wide.
The game ended with United on the front foot and looking strongest, much to the delight of the very nice Home support, most of which congratulated us as we left the pitch for our part in a good game of football.

FT (3-2)

United knew they were second best today, but will also know that it was partly (and full credit to Kings Lynn) because of the oppositions strengths, but mainly because of their own lack of effort and desire in some areas of the pitch.
A tough lesson learned in a league that is full of good teams, and one that will remind them that they are not unbeatable.
United remain second in the Junior Premier League, 3 points behind leaders MK Dons and will hopefully bounce back next week in the cup away to Kettering Town.

Man of the Match: Danyaal Younus