King's Lynn Town's promotion credentials will be given another stern test at in-form Chasetown tonight.

Gary Setchell's high-fliers moved up to second in Evo-Stik Division One South after they beat Leek Town 2-0 on Saturday while Stamford lost 2-1 at home to their opponents this evening.

Even though the Linnets are in the middle of a sensational 12-game unbeaten league run, the Scholars are enjoying a fine spell themselves having won their last six matches in all competitions.

And with both sides fancying their chances of finishing in the top five, Setchell knows his men will have to deliver another hard-working performance to strengthen their hopes of catching league leaders Coalville Town – or securing home advantage in the play-offs.

The Lynn boss, reacting to some recent criticism of his players, said: 'We've got a fantastic squad here. People are always moaning about a player or a person. But why? Why we do keep moaning about these boys? These are honest lads. They're not earning the £500, £600, £700 a week that previous managers were giving footballers here.

'We've got players who are playing for honest money, within the means of this football club. We've got honest players who put in a shift every week in games and training. We have got an honest team and we are getting good results.'

Setchell defended striker Shane Tolley, who ended a run of seven matches without a goal at the weekend, and praised fit-again midfielder Dan Quigley – both of whom are in line to start in Staffordshire.

'Shane is a good player for a manager. He works hard and he's been asked to do roles this year that he didn't. He's never murmured and he trains hard. It isn't all about the goals,' said Setchell, who has no injury worries going into tonight's game.

'I've read some things that are astonishing. Last week you had people calling for him from 200 miles away. He's got thick, broad shoulders and he's been tremendous since he joined the club. His work ethic is second to none and he runs himself into the ground. He will keep putting himself in the position to score goals and he will score goals, there's no question about that.

'Dan was the best player on the pitch for me on Saturday, no question about it. His mate next to him Bunts (Bunting) wasn't far behind him. I keep saying every week how well he is doing. I can't say no more. He's another honest player, giving me an honest shift every week like everyone else.'

Lynn beat Chasetown 1-0 on the opening day of the season.