Paddy Davitt King's Lynn chairman Ken Bobbins yesterday pleaded with the club's loyal fan base for one final push in the Linnets' Southern League, Premier Division title quest.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn chairman Ken Bobbins yesterday pleaded with the club's loyal fan base for one final push in the Linnets' Southern League, Premier Division title quest.

Keith Webb's table toppers demolished Bashley 5-0 in midweek to move two points clear of main rivals Team Bath. Lynn can now clinch the championship with victory at Gloucester on Saturday if the second placed Students' fail to beat relegation threatened Bromsgrove.

Bobbins expects a huge travelling army to descend on Gloucester's temporary Forest Green home as Lynn bid to secure conference level football.

“We always have a massive crowd for these type of occasions,” he said. “They've contributed so much all season but especially over the run in. I believe there is already a second supporters' coach going in addition to minibuses and the usual people who travel independently. Obviously being around the top has generated some extra interest. It gives people an incentive to come along and be associated with a successful club. We've put at least 200 on our average gate this season. I think we are playing attractive football. We've had difficult matches along the way - you have to expect that when teams string nine men behind the ball - but to score in excess of 100 goals in all competitions tells its own story.”

Bobbins predicts the title race will extend to the final weekend when Lynn head across the border to Merthyr Tydfil while Team Bath face a tricky test at play off contenders Chippenham.

“I'd love to get it done on Saturday at Gloucester,” he said. “Then we could have a relative week of peace and quiet but I don't expect that to happen. Realistically, we have to look to win and go out with the same mindset the following week because you can't go into games looking to draw.

“The pressure has been on the lads for the last five or six weeks but they have dealt with it so I see no reason why we can't keep that attitude. Gloucester have something very, very real to play for. They need a win to get into the play offs and I was impressed with them at our place.”

Lynn triumphed 2-1 at The Walks in September but Bobbins admits confidence is sky high within the camp after the club's Bashley romp.

“Given the pressure we were under I thought they played ever so well,” he said. “Early goals probably helped us to settle but we played with a freedom. That is testament to Keith and Lee (Glover) - they've got the lads playing free flowing football. Bashley might've had a few injuries but they are fifth in the league.”

Bobbins refuses to take anything for granted as Lynn edge within touching distance of his conference vision.

“That is what we've been striving for over these last four seasons,” he said. “But our league is a very difficult one to get out of and we can still get ourselves in a muddle. I don't agree with those who reckon this is the weakest league for years. I find that astounding, because there's been an enormous amount of money spent if you look at the likes of Halesowen and even Hemel Hempstead in the early part of the season.

“The standard is strong. A lot of teams could hold there own in the league above. I'm not saying they would win it but they would be competitive. The side we've put together this year would've walked the league in previous seasons but it's been hard work every step of the way.”

t Lynn top scorer Joe Francis was crowned player-of-the-year and supporters' player-of-the-year after notching his 23rd goal of the season against Bashley on Tuesday.

t The club have announced travel details for Lynn's remaining Southern League, Premier Division fixtures at Gloucester this weekend and Merthyr on Saturday, April 26.

Coaches will leave The Walks for the trip to Gloucester's temporary home Forest Green at 9am this Saturday. Cost: Adults £11.50, children and OAPs £10.

Coaches will depart for Merthyr from The Walks on Saturday, April 26 at 8am. Cost: Adults £15.50, children and OAPs £14.50.

For further booking information contact the club direct on 01553 760060 or Stephen on 07761 242801.