King's Lynn chairman Ken Bobbins is banking on the magic of the cup rubbing off again ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy first round clash at Cambridge United.

King's Lynn chairman Ken Bobbins is banking on the magic of the cup rubbing off again ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy first round clash at Cambridge United.

The Southern League, Premier Division pace setters enjoyed a high profile FA Cup adventure just over 12 months ago that ended with a second round defeat in front of the television cameras against Oldham.

Bobbins insists Lynn can spring a minor shock at the Blue Square Premier high flyers to move a step closer to a dream Wembley final date.

"We're looking forward to it," he said. "It's a nice game to test ourselves against that sort of opposition to see how far we've come - because that is what we're striving to achieve.

"They are a full time outfit and should be fitter, but we have players who on the day can cause them problems. I expect us to give them a game. We showed in the previous round against Eastbourne Borough what we are capable of. We went into that match as underdogs and played them off the park.

"I'm not suggesting we can play Cambridge United off the park but we will be competitive.

"Cups are littered with upsets. I just want us to relax and express ourselves. If we play our game, be positive and bold, then we'll put on a good show."

Lynn's large travelling support is set to travel in numbers for the cross-border derby.

"It's not that far and they can make a good day of it," he said. "I remember how they turned out in force for the Bishop's Stortford cup tie last season. If we can get a good following the lads will really appreciate it.

"Most of the matches we play I think it's fair to say we go in as favourites. I don't care what anybody says - it brings added pressure.

"Maybe one or two of the lads have been suffering from a lack of confidence lately but we can go there, get stuck in, and know it doesn't have a major bearing on our season. Promotion is the aim."

Bobbins insists Keith Webb's men are bang on course despite one or two recent blips.

"I believe we are heading in the right direction," he said. "We've been very unfortunate with injuries when you look at the likes of Craig Fleming and Phil Mulryne. I feel both could still operate in the football league. We've had our bad days - and Mangotsfield was one of those - but we picked up three points at the weekend. If you look at the fixtures we have 15 left at home and nine away so it's in our own hands."

Lynn's chairman confirmed the title favourites are keen to extend Mulyrne's injury-hit stay ahead of a New Year league push.

"Keith has spoken to the player and they've discussed his options," said Bobbins. "We expect him to come back to us later this week.

"We're also tracking two other midfielders. One guy is Huntingdon-based but his work takes him all over. He feels he can give a commitment to us that he couldn't to his previous club because of the travelling. It's up to Keith and Lee (Glover) to have a look at him now and see how we move forward.

"We've also obtained international clearance for an Australian player and he is available for us to sign in January, if that is how we decide to go."

n Cambridge United's set piece specialist Stephen Reed is ruled out of Saturday's tie through suspension.

The 22-year-old picked up his fifth booking of the season in United's 1-0 Blue Square Premier defeat at Kidderminster last week.