It wasn’t long ago that Ian Culverhouse’s only target for the season was for King’s Lynn Town to finish in a play-off position.

Now, it’s ‘Target Stourbridge’ as the Linnets chase what was once an unlikely runners-up spot but is now a more-than-realistic statement of intent.

Lynn – who go to Banbury on Saturday – are third, two points behind their rivals, four ahead of Stratford and eight ahead of Alvechurch – and they travel to Stourbridge on the final day of the season.

Occupying runners-up spot would give Lynn supposedly the most comfortable home advantage in the play-offs and while a place in the clutch of four behind runaway leaders Kettering isn’t guaranteed, second spot is a target which will keep sharp the mental strengths.

“It’s a target for us now,” said Culverhouse. “The target was always to be in the play-offs and now all of a sudden we are in touching distance and that has to be our goal.

“If we can achieve that and then have the first play-off game here it would be magnificent and they deserve all the plaudits because of where we started and what they have done to put us in this position.”

Culverhouse, and assistant Paul Bastock, have overseen a huge change in fortunes since they arrived at the beginning of November following Simon Clark’s ill-fated period of management.

In 26 games Lynn have been beaten just three times and have yet to lose a home league game under their stewardship.

Culverhouse points to the dressing room to address that upturn in form.

“You are only as good as your players and they have been magnificent, they really have,” he said. “From the first time we walked through the door they have really got the bit between their teeth and they are a pleasure to coach.”

Culverhouse has a full squad for the trip to Banbury, with the knock-on effect of defender Ross Barrows’ arrival being a strong bench.

“If you can get people to come off the bench and have an influence in the game, that’s what we are looking for,” added Culverhouse. “They can change games and have a major influence.

“Banbury - it is always tough there so we have to be really on it, but the players are all ready, I don’t have to say anything because they are already talking about turning up and really giving it a go so we will look forward to that one.”