King's Lynn captain Mark Warren would happily swap FA Trophy first-round glory for league points at Mangotsfield today.

King's Lynn captain Mark Warren would happily swap FA Trophy first-round glory for league points at Mangotsfield today.

Warren leads the visitors out at Cossham Street for their 11th cup tie of a congested season.

Lynn's knockout heroics have triggered a slide from the Southern Premier summit - accelerated by back-to-back league defeats this week.

"I'd definitely trade a win for three points," said the defender.

"The league is our main priority and the one we really need to concentrate on.

"We can't seem to get into a nice flow and we've got a lot of matches to catch up on now.

"It's been a league game then a cup game and another cup game.

"Maybe it has affected us. I think after all the hype with Oldham we felt a little deflated.

"I'm looking forward to this tie because it can be a turning point. They are a good side full of confidence after recent results. It'll be another boggy pitch, so we expect a tough one."

Warren is backing the squad to ride out this current storm.

"There's no need to panic," he said. "The heads are down a little bit and that's where the experienced lads come into play.

"It's easy when things are going for you. I know it's not always possible to play pretty football. I'd rather have a bad performance and win then play well and come up short.

"I've been at the club long enough to know the players and their capabilities. We didn't show any fight against Gloucester in midweek and that isn't like us."

Warren refuses to hide behind the on-going search for a permanent successor to Tommy Taylor as an unsettling distraction.

"The management situation hasn't affected us," he said.

"Shaun (Carey) picks the eleven he thinks can go and win a game. Then it's up to the players. It's about us and what we do on the pitch.

"We need a lot more grit and character - to show people what we are really all about.

"To lose three games in such a short space of time does knock confidence, but I know we can get back to winning ways."

Matt O'Halloran (ankle) was not in the travelling party as Lynn bid for a last-32 place.

Striker Michael Frew (leg) is doubtful, while caretaker boss Carey makes a late fitness decision on both Charlie and Jack Defty.

Lynn's table-topping Southern Premier hosts have their own selection headaches with up to eight first team regulars absent.

"We're down to the bare bones," said boss Lee Howells.

"It will be a case of promoting a few lads from the reserves. It would be nice for the players if a big crowd turned out and got behind them.

"Both clubs are going well in the league and this is a big game that ought to grab the imagination."

King's Lynn (from): Marshall, West, C Defty, Warren, Cooper, Camm, J Defty, McMahon, Frew, Notman, Nolan, Norris, Toms, Higgs, Melton, Hicks, Harvey.

Any potential first-round replay will take place at The Walks on Tuesday (7.45pm). Lynn's scheduled Southern League, Premier Division home game against Cheshunt that night would be moved to a later date.