King s Lynn 1 Hitchin Town 0 NEIL JENSEN Reports Hitchin Town are enduring the worst second half to a season for more than 50 years and after the Easter results, the Canaries are now fighting for their Premier Division life. Not since the early 1950s have

King's Lynn 1

Hitchin Town 0

NEIL JENSEN Reports

Hitchin Town are enduring the worst second half to a season for more than 50 years and after the Easter results, the Canaries are now fighting for their Premier Division life.

Not since the early 1950s have Hitchin turned around at the start of a new year as they have this season - Saturday's defeat was their 13th in 18 league games since January.

It was not all bad news for Hitchin at King's Lynn, however, for they more than matched a side with play-off aspirations.

With a little more punch, Hitchin would have earned a draw at the Walks, but as the old cliché goes, when your luck's out, your luck's out.

King's Lynn opened with a header by Danny Bloomfield that went past the post but it was clear in the early stages that the home side were not at their best.

Gavin Jaggard went close when he rounded a defender but saw his shot saved.

In the 16th minute, a bizarre goal gave King's Lynn the lead.

Dean West's high cross deceived Hitchin goalkeeper Rob Beckwith who was expecting the ball to go out but it landed on the head of Jack Defty who was almost beneath the crossbar when he scored.

Jaggard had a half chance denied to him when Mark Warren intercepted while at the other end, Paul O'Halloran flicked a shot wide.

Hitchin showed plenty of spirit in the second half, although for long periods King's Lynn had the upper hand.

In the last 15 minutes, however, the Canaries had the home side worried.

A David Deeney effort whistled just over the bar and Jon Stevenson had two attempts following a cross by Glen Lamacraft.

Right at the death, Paul Scanlon saw his shot deflected away from danger but King's Lynn held on to gain three points towards their play-off hopes.

Canaries: Beckwith, Deeney, Childs (Orphanou 46m), Gentle-King, Frater, Stevenson, G Lamacraft, Standen, Jaggard (P Scanlon 77), Charles (Cunnington 53), A Scanlon.