King's Lynn Town are looking to pounce on any signs of vulnerability from the league leaders.

The Linnets visit title-challenging Skelmersdale United – a side they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by at The Walks last month. It's been less impressive since then though for Skem who have lost their last two home games and been forced to slash their playing budget. So Lynn will be aiming to take advantage of any nerves the hosts may be feeling come 3pm this afternoon.

'The first 25 minutes are going to be crucial,' said boss Gary Setchell.

'They've lost their last two matches against Matlock and Stamford. If we did get on top, or score an early goal, then those demons would come flooding back. But we know they'll be working extra hard to put things right.

'The league is won over 46 games, not two, and they're top of the table for a reason. If they go a goal up I'm sure the confidence will come flooding back. They're a very good side, they've got a great manager and it's a good football club. So it's going to be a tough test.

'But it's one we're looking forward to getting our teeth into because we don't want to go up there and be like a rabbit caught in the headlights. We really want to give it a go. There were a lot of positives at Nantwich on Saturday, despite the (2-1) defeat. We played well and created lots of chances and I'm sure if we do the same again we've got a great chance of getting a result.'

Frontman Leon Mettam's loan spell ended last weekend but striker Sam Mulready is raring to go after overcoming a hamstring problem. Recently-appointed first-team coach David Bridges is still sidelined allowing left-sided reserve team talent Tom McLeish to make the squad.

Lynn's manager said: 'Having Bridgo on board is great. Some teams come to us with a goalkeeping coach and a nutritionist and we've just had Neil (Fryatt, assistant) and I. So three brains working together will be better than just two.

'Bridgo gets on with us brilliantly, he's got fresh ideas and he's not been out of the pro game long. Like any day job having extra ideas and support can only help. Bridgo is well respected by the players and the supporters, although the jury was out on that front until November time, but that's when people realised how hard he worked – even when he wasn't playing quite so well. He'll bring the same thing to his coaching as he does when plays for us.'