Gary Setchell says he and his King's Lynn Town players are relishing the challenge of facing the world's oldest football club this afternoon.

The Linnets travel to Sheffield FC on a high having won both of their opening Evo-Stik Division One South games and last weekend's FA Cup Preliminary Round at Wellingborough Town.

The upbeat Linnets boss admits he can't wait to take on the famous non-league club, formed in 1857 and managed by former professional player Curtis Woodhouse, as Lynn continue to enjoy life at Step Four of the non-league ladder.

Setchell said: 'Sheffield are one of the clubs I believe will be trying to win the league, especially if you look at their manager, their players, and where they finished last season (fourth).

'When I speak to other managers they all say they think Sheffield will be challenging again so we're in for a difficult match. If we get back on the bus after the game still unbeaten, or having won, it will prove that we have come a long way in a such a short space of time.

'It's certainly going to be a really tough test, but one that the players and I are all looking forward to.'

Midfielder Dan Quigley and defender Ross Watson are both available for selection with their impending suspensions set to start next week. Midfielder Steve Spriggs – who missed training on Tuesday – is doubtful with a hip injury.

Striker Russell Dunkley, who has scored in both of the Linnets' league games so far this season, is likely to lead from the front again after indicating his desire to stay at the club during a week where higher-level Histon and Corby Town were thought to be interested in securing his services.

'You can never say never in football, but I've known Russell properly for the best part of three months and he's as genuine as they come,' said Setchell. 'We've had players do the dirty on us before, but we had a 30-second conversation where he said he was very happy here. No clubs have come in for him, but he's said he doesn't want to go anywhere anyway.

'He came here under a lot of pressure as our number nine and because he was replacing a Lynn legend (Jack Defty). But he's done a great job in getting the fans on his side with his goals and performances.'

With Watson's ban and Stuart Wall's long-term absence with a knee injury confirmed, Setchell has put in a seven-day approach for a unnamed defender from a Step Three club.

n King's Lynn Town Reserves' match against Holbeach United's second-string in Peterborough League Division One at The Walks today will kick-off at noon, and not the usual time of 2pm.