Wroxham 0, King's Lynn 2Jack Defty's second-half salvo eased Lynn into today's FA Cup fourth qualifying round draw - but Norfolk football emerged the real winner at a near-capacity Trafford Park, writes Paddy Davitt.

Wroxham 0, King's Lynn 2

Jack Defty's second-half salvo eased Lynn into today's FA Cup fourth qualifying round draw - but Norfolk football emerged the real winner at a near-capacity Trafford Park, writes Paddy Davitt.

The faint whiff of a shock lingered until the powerful striker's close-range header on 55 minutes.

Keith Webb's men had gradually exerted a python-like grip on the tie to dominate territory and possession after Wroxham's full-blooded early burst.

Jack Defty's cute turn and calm slot underneath Duncan McAnally provided the requisite breathing space for the Blue Square North neighbours to coast over the finish line.

Damian Hilton's underdogs gamely went toe to toe before wilting in the unseasonal sunshine that offered the perfect backdrop to Norfolk's biggest non-league clash in more than a decade.

Wroxham can return to Ridgeons Premier Division duty with a healthy boost to the Trafford Park coffers from an extended six-game run in the world-famous competition and the match day proceeds of a bumper 1,022 derby gate.

Wroxham player-boss Damian Hilton admitted his side needed to strike first to ratchet up the pressure on the visitors.

“The second half was a bit disappointing,” he said. “We had some players who were not 100pc match fit and that is tough when you play against good sides like Lynn.”