King's Lynn Town boss Gary Setchell will hand Jack Defty his first start since recovering from a long-term knee injury when Northampton Spencer come to The Walks for their second round tie in the League Cup this afternoon, kick-off 3pm.

The striker has been used sparingly since overcoming medial knee ligament damage sustained in the 1-0 win against Daventry back in November but Setchell wants to use today's tie for the 30-year-old to step up his recovery whilst giving some of his squad players some much needed match time.

'Jack will start – he has been training really well and we've just been introducing him back into the team slowly but we want to get him back to full fitness as quickly as possible so a start will do him good.

'The likes of Liam Harrold and Ben Coe will also start while the goalkeepers will have a half each.

'To be honest last year the competition was a bit of a hindrance with us having a run in the Vase as well but it will be useful to us this season.

'This time round it is giving us a chance to get some minutes into players – we will be using a first team squad and it will give a few lads a chance to work on their fitness.

'We want to go further in the competition because it means we can use the squad more.'

Recent signing Ashley Deeney will also be involved having impressed on his debut against AFC Kempston Rovers last weekend and Setchell has been pleased with what he has seen so far from the defender.

'He had a really good debut last week – he is a strong, quick defender and he will be playing again so that he gets to know his team-mates as quickly as possible,' said the Linnets chief. 'He is going to be a really good player for us.'

Lynn hit Northampton Spencer for six in the league back in October but Setchell is expecting a tougher encounter this time round.

'We played really well that day and it might have been a bit of an off day for them,' he added. 'They have always given us a good game and I'm sure that this will be no different. They are a capable side and they come to The Walks with nothing to lose.'

Setchell is also looking forward to the club's Norfolk Senior Cup quarter-final against Norwich City on Tuesday night although he admits the club's main priority this season is to get out of the United Counties League.

Their promotion prospects certainly improved last weekend when Long Buckby dropped points at Cogenhoe and Setchell wants his side to pile the pressure on at the top of the table when they return to league action against Spalding next weekend.

'We've worked hard over the last two or three months and we've got to continue picking up the three points,' he said. 'I think there will be twists and turns and I think that both sides will drop points between now and the end of the season.

'They have opened the door for us and we've got to step through it. I think at the moment we can both get 110 points but I don't think that will happen - both sides are not going to win every game.

'If you had offered me this position in November then I would have definitely taken it. We're getting our full squad back now and we're in a good position.'