Gary Setchell knows just how good King's Lynn Town will have to be if they are to bring anything back from a daunting trip to FC United.

The Linnets are desperately seeking a spark to get their season back on track following a torrid run of form which has seen them win just three of their last 19 Evo-Stik Premier Division matches. One of those pointless returns came at The Walks in December when FC triumphed 2-1. And it was a performance which left Setchell tipping the Manchester non-league giants for the top – a place they have since gone on to occupy as they look to finally get promotion out of the Northern League's top flight at the seventh time of asking.

Speaking after that match, Lynn's boss said: 'It's a tight league. I love the league. The fans should enjoy the league, because it's a good league. Our home form has been decent, we've won eight and lost four.

'We don't always play pretty stuff but more often than not we give 110pc and today was no different. But the long and the short of it is we ran into what I think is the best team in the league. Obviously people will have their opinions about that but for me, watch this space, because I think they'll go on to win the league.'

At the time of that game, the Reds had a plethora of matches in hand. But with the majority of those now played, they hold a three-point lead, having completed a game less than their nearest rivals Ilkeston. United have been beaten just once in 19 Evo-Stik matches.

Their climb up the standings has been in stark contrast to Lynn's slide down the table. However, the latter's form on the road of late has offered encouragement with a 1-1 draw at then league-leading Skelmersdale United proving to be a major highlight.

Midweek signing Jacek Zielonka made his debut from the bench during Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Ashton United and could be involved again this afternoon. However, his presence appears to be down to the wishes of the other club he has played for this season, Lowestoft Town.

The Conference North club issued a statement in the week which read: 'Jacek Zielonka has signed dual registration forms, allowing him to play for Lowestoft and Lynn.

'Lowestoft have the priority on his availability but the dual registration will allow the Polish midfielder to play for both the Trawlerboys and the Linnets.'