King's Lynn Town tonight begin a crucial spell of three games in seven days which could define whether they are challenging for the title or a play-off spot.

Gary Setchell's high-fliers, second in Evo-Stik Division One South until Stamford went two points ahead of them with a win last night, visit Carlton to play one of their three games in hand over table-topping Coalville Town – who they travel to on Tuesday.

The league leaders' poor run of form in the last fortnight could see the Linnets move to within nine points of them this evening. And if they do return from Nottingham with all three points, Setchell admits Lynn's championship challenge will be gathering even more momentum.

He said: 'We've got three very tough away games on the bounce finishing with the league leaders next week.

'It's a massive spell for us. If we win all three we're possibly seen as favourites to win the league. If we lose all three we're battling for home advantage for the play-offs. That's the margins we're dealing with.'

The Linnets – who have won all eight of their league games in 2013 and are unbeaten in nine – have scored in every one of their Evo-Stik games since drawing 0-0 at home to Carlton in September.

Setchell's men battered the Millers that night but missed a host of chances, including a late Jason Turner penalty, to collect a point rather than the three they deserved.

However, The Walks' chief is expecting a much tougher encounter this time round against eighth-placed Carlton, managed by former Linnet Les McJannet, who finished as runners-up last term.

'Having the ball on the penalty spot that night just highlighted that we should of scored,' said Setchell. 'It was a good battering we gave them but it'll be a very different game this time. They've improved a lot since the start of the season so I think it will be similar to the Gresley and Romulus away games where we'll have to really dig in.'

Striker Sam Mulready – who scored during Saturday's 3-0 weekend win over Market Drayton Town – will be involved in the Linnets squad this evening if, as expected, he came through 45 minutes for the reserves last night without any problems.

The former Grimsby Town frontman took the chance to get in some valuable game time as he looks to force his way into Setchell's first team following his return to the club on a permanent basis about a fortnight ago.

The Lynn boss said: 'I gave him the opportunity to play and he took it. He was always travelling with us tonight and has a chance of playing.

'But he wanted to have a half for the reserves, which I think will be good for him.'