King's Lynn Town boss Gary Setchell believes his side's opening day defeat at Nantwich exposed the Linnets' need for a big target man this season.

Setchell signed Rob Duffy last week as the focal point he feels his side needs going forward but the striker won't be rushed into action as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury.

But the Linnets could have certainly done with his presence at Nantwich as an early goal from Adam Carden gave his side a mountain to climb before Aaron Burns sealed the points late on for the home side.

'When you concede a goal so early it's obviously disappointing but credit Nantwich they played very well in the first half and the end of the second half,' said Setchell.

'I've signed Rob Duffy who's a big centre forward and in this league I think he'll be handy and today showed you need a big striker who's going to win the ball.

'Nothing against the smaller lads we have but we need someone to compete for headers.'

Lynn had chances of their own following the blow of going behind so early in the game.

Dan Quigley headed over when well placed midway through the first half while Shane Tolley came within inches of restoring parity just after the break when his turn and shot flew just wide.

Lynn threw men forward in search of an equaliser and were caught on the counter-attack in the 83rd minute as Burns' sumptuous lob wrapped up the points.

'We've got to play to our maximum this year and today we probably played to our maximum for 20-30 minutes,' added Setchell.

'It looked like we were scared of the occasion for the first 20-25 minutes and then obviously we went gung-ho and put on extra players and they nicked a goal against the run of play. This is Step 3 football. You'll get punished for your mistakes and you've got to take most of your chances.'

It was perhaps a harsh lesson for Lynn to learn on the opening day but Setchell is confident he has the players to compete at the club's new level.

When asked what his expectations are for the season, Setchell said: 'I think a mid-table finish would be a great season for us.

'We're off the back of a double promotion and if we can get top half it will be a suitable season for us.

'There'll always be one or two question marks over some of your players but I wasn't scared to change it around last year and I won't be this year.'