King's Lynn Town 1 Southport 0

Jonny Margetts scored his first goal for almost three months to end King’s Lynn’s losing run.

Margetts struck from the penalty spot with less than 10 minutes remaining as Lynn ensured their three-match National League North run of reverses came to an end.

It was what Lynn deserved for a dogged performance in difficult conditions at The Walks.

There were three changes to the team that exited the FA Trophy at Leamington: keeper Paul Jones was absent with a knee injury, Pat Boyes returning, while Dylan Crowe and Finlay Barnes dropped to the bench, replaced by Kyle McFadden and Tommy Hughes.

It was a game bereft of much in the way of excitement until 25 minutes had passed, when Jonny Margetts got into the area and tried to slide in a low cross, then wormed his way past a defender again, but was somehow ruled offside.

Josh McCammon’s driving run gave Lynn a free-kick some 40 yards out, but Hughes’ free-kick was easily cleared.

McCammon then had a goalbound effort – something of a rarity – deflected for a corner as Lynn began to press more.

Sloppy defensive work almost cost them dearly just before the break, when David Morgan slid a shot just past Boyes’ right post.

McCammon, Ross Crane and Margetts all had efforts blocked early in the second half as the visitors’ goal led something of a charmed life.

Barnes was brought on for Coulson and within minutes came as close as anyone had to breaking the deadlock, curling  a left-footed free-kick just wide of the far post.

Lynn were looking the more likely winners and had their chance on 80 minutes when Greg Taylor was pulled back in the area – and Margetts stepped up to finish the job.

Josh Hmami had a golden opportunity to finish the game off in time added on but slid the ball wide of the post.

King’s Lynn Town: Boyes, Crane (Crowe 82), Wilson, Coulson (Barnes 73), Taylor, McFadden, Johnson, Hughes (Sass 89), McCammon, Hmami, Margetts (Williams 90). Subs not used: Walker.

Goal: Margetts 81pen

Southport: Renshaw, Williams (Hilton 88), Knight-Percival (Proctor 85), Morgan (Angus 71), Carver, Quansah, Mooe, Carroll-Burgess, Minihan, Stafford (Thomspon 88), Philliskirk. Subs not used: Thompson, Hilton, Arthur.