King's Lynn Town will be looking to get the new year off to the perfect start when they face St Ives in the Evo-stik Southern Premier Division today (3pm).

It's the third meeting between the teams this season, but first in the league. Lynn went out of the League Cup on penalties to St Ives in October but then beat them 1-0 in the FA Trophy in November.

And both teams go into this afternoon's clash at The Walks in good form – Gary Setchell's Linnets are unbeaten in seven league games and sit comfortably in 14th place in the table – a place and three points behind the visitors. They last played on Boxing Day, when they came away from Kettering Town with a hard-earned 1-1 draw. St Ives meanwhile are unbeaten in eight.

Visiting boss Ricky Marheineke said: 'We have to be delighted with the progress we have made, but our target remains to reach 48 points as quickly as possible. That's the number we believe we need to be certain of staying up. If and when we get there, we'll re-assess.'

Marheineke's squad has been boosted by the return of captain Charlie De'Ath after being sidelined for 11 games with an infected gash to his ankle. And utility man Scott Sinclair is also back in full training after being out for 10 matches.

Marheineke added: 'I think we're all disappointed to see 2016 come to an end because it has been such a memorable year for the club.'

St Ives' squad includes former Norwich City player Josh Dawkin and goalkeeper Ollie Sutton, son of former Canaries star Chris.