Nantwich Town started life under new manager Phil Parkinson with a 2-1 win over Kings Lynn Town at the Weaver Stadium.
Goals either side of half time from Matty Kosylo and Steve Jones sealed the win in game billed as ‘the return of Parky’.
The new manager rung the changes with Mark Winslade on the bench as Kosylo and Steve Jones starting.
PJ Hudson was among the subs, having joined last week from Congleton Town.
Nantwich started well forcing a corner after 33 seconds, which saw visiting goalkeeper Alex Street catching the ball under pressure in the box.
The first Kings Lynn venture near the Dabbers goal was when Jackson Ramm ran into the box, but Andy White was able to clear.
Ross Watson saw his shot hit the side netting.
On 22 minutes the visitors could have taken the lead when Nicky Platt lost control of the ball. Stephen Spriggs raced through but hit his effort wide of the goal.
Just two minutes later the Dabbers could have taken the lead. Clayton’s shot was dropped by Street but the ball was cleared.
Kings Lynn teammates Henry Eze and Jordan Yong collided leaving Yong on the floor with a head injury.
The breakthrough came with six minutes of the half to go.
A through ball from Mat Bailey found Kosylo, who raced through and beat the advancing Street to score his first for the Dabbers.
Kings Lynn thought they had an instant equaliser when a long ball found Spriggs who lobbed Smith but it bounced just wide.
After the break, Steve Jones made a storming run into the area but the Lynn defence cleared.
On 48 minutes Clayton was brought down just outside the Lynn area, but Harrop’s free kick went across the face of the goal, evading the strikers.
Soon after, Clayton was again fouled just outside the area. Steve Jones took the free kick but smashed the ball over the bar.
Kings Lynn chased the game and a long ball bounced in front of Terry Smith as Watson looked to head it on, but the keeper turned it away for a corner.
However, from the corner Ryan Fryatt headed home on 62 minutes to equalise.
Nantwich players didn’t let their heads drop and straight from the restart Kosylo burst into the area before seeing his shot hit Street’s legs.
Kings Lynn hit the post twice through Eze, before Ben Harrison was on hand twice to clear off the line.
The hosts retook the lead with 19 minutes to go when a ball from Harrop found Steve Jones just outside the area.
The former Crewe Alexandra forward cut inside before cracking the ball past the defender and goalkeeper, curling it into the bottom corner.
Kosylo was withdrawn for PJ Hudson, the tricky winger making a return to the club following a spell at Congleton FC.
On 78 minutes White made an excellent block on Mettam shot to prevent a second Lynn leveller.
Sub Mark Winslade could have made the three points safe, but his shot struck the post.
Dabbers hearts were in their mouths when Smith dropped a ball, allowing Gregory Smith to get a shot away which whistled over the bar.
In the final, Watson shot from the edge of the area but it also went over to the relief of Nantwich supporters.
The victory sees Nantwich stay 19th in Evo-Stik Premier League, four points ahead of local rivals Witton Albion, who are in the first relegation place.
Nantwich welcome Halesowen Town to the Weaver Stadium next Saturday, February 21.
Nantwich Town: Smith, Moyo, White, Bailey, Harrison, M.Jones (C), S.Jones, Platt, Clayton, Harrop and Kosylo. Subs: Winslade (on for Clayton, 75 minutes), Hudson (on for Kosylo, 72 minutes), Blake (on for Harrop, 83 minutes)
(pic by Simon J Newbury Photography)
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