Striker Ewan Clarke last night became the latest King's Lynn Town player to leave the club – but only on a temporary basis.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Ward, back, has returned to Aldiss Park on a temporary basis. Picture: Ian BurtChris Ward, back, has returned to Aldiss Park on a temporary basis. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2014)

Gary Setchell has utilised the loan market expertly this term to get members of his squad game time elsewhere while adding to his options at other times by bringing new faces in on a short-term basis. Lynn's boss has allowed Clarke to join Lincoln United on a one-month loan deal, just a day after letting Chris Ward return to Dereham Town for the same period. And he feels both will return to The Walks in better shape come February.

Setchell said: 'Chris Ward has shown he has the potential to be good enough for the first team and Ewan has scored some good goals. He arrived off the back of not really playing any football following an injury but he's shown more than enough for me to know he can play at this level and do a good job. He just needs some games.

'He's gone to Lincoln where he'll play five or six games and when he comes back he'll be a little less match rusty. It's a great opportunity and the same goes for Wardy.'

Clarke has scored four goals in 20 appearances this term, 17 of which have come from the bench, while youngster Ward has only featured eight times. One player who is no longer a Linnet however is Mansfield keeper Liam Mitchell. The goalie, who last played against Stamford on Boxing Day, has joined Sheffield on loan and has had his dual registration deal cancelled with Setchell's side.