Boss Gary Setchell insists striker Liam Harrold still has a part to play at King's Lynn Town despite dropping him from his squad today.

Harrold has scored three goals in nine appearances since signing from Yaxley in December but appears to be fifth-choice following the return of Jack Defty from injury and the arrival of prolific front man Jason Turner.

The 30-year-old didn't make Setchell's squad at Thrapston Town on Tuesday as the Lynn boss opted to pair Defty with debutant Turner.

And even though the latter bagged his first Lynn goal in a 4-0 win, Setchell has paid tribute to much-travelled target man Harrold – even though he isn't in the squad for the trip to Newport Pagnell Town this afternoon.

Setchell said: 'Liam's a great lad. He knows the situation I've got and he's dealt with everything absolutely superbly.

'When we signed Jason I told Liam we now had five forwards but he just said, 'There's 15 or so games left and I want to be at King's Lynn Town Football Club'. He wants to see the season through and although he knows there might be limited opportunities he says it's an honour to play here.

'He still – and I still believe – could have a part to play. There's a lot of football left and you just don't know what will happen.'

Two goals from Jamie Thurlbourne and one from substitute Danny Beaumont put Lynn in control as they dominated Thrapston at Chancery Lane.

Yet it was the performance – and late goal from Turner – that put the gloss on a fine win as the Linnets continued their United Counties Premier Division title charge.

'Jason did really well and I really wanted him to score because his performance deserved it,' said Setchell.

'He worked hard and was strong all game. To score a great volley with 10 minutes to go topped off a great night for him and us.

'I think you could tell the supporters – and the players – realise what a good signing he is by their reaction when he scored.

'It was a big thing for him. His debut was delayed so there was a feeling of relief when it hit the back of the net.

'I honestly believe between now and the end of the season he could be the difference between us doing well, or us doing really well and winning the league. There's a lot of games coming up and Jason could become a King's Lynn hero – but it's not all about him – all of our players have that chance.'

Setchell could start with the same front two again against the Swans with the Lynn boss hopeful that Defty has shaken off the dead leg that forced him to be taken off at Thrapston.

Late goals from Robbie Harris and Steve Spriggs earned Lynn a 2-1 home win over Newport at The Walks in January and the Linnets boss admits his side are in for a tough test this afternoon.

He said: 'Today is one of our three hardest games left in my eyes. It's going to be a battle.

'In my eyes they're in a fake position because I definitely think they will finish in the top six.

'How we beat them at home will live in their memory so I'm sure they'll be gunning for revenge against us.

'However, our away form has been second to none and we'll be going their to get three points – you can't get anything less in this league.'

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