King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor is tracking Cambridge United youngster Paul Atkins to plug the gap left by striker Danny Bloomfield. Taylor wants to run the rule over the 19-year-old Norwich-based forward at training this week with makeshift frontman Jack Defty suspended for Saturday's Southern League, Premier Division visit of Yate.

King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor is tracking Cambridge United youngster Paul Atkins to plug the gap left by striker Danny Bloomfield.

Taylor wants to run the rule over the 19-year-old Norwich-based forward at training this week with makeshift frontman Jack Defty suspended for Saturday's Southern League, Premier Division visit of Yate.

Atkins was part of the loan package offered by United in their failed attempt to lure Bloomfield last month before Lynn's top scorer joined Histon.

"He's one who might be able to do a job for us," said Taylor. "We'd like to have look at him and hopefully Cambridge are happy to give him the opportunity to get some games under his belt."

The teenager had a trial at Norwich City in 2004 but has been restricted to eight Conference National appearances this season.

An upbeat Taylor praised his squad's resolve in grabbing a late equaliser at highflying Chippenham on Saturday to complete a successful mini tour of their promotion rivals following recent visits to Merthyr and Bath.

"The last few matches tell you everything about the character in the group," he said. "I'm pleased to come through unbeaten, take five points and just as importantly only concede a couple of goals.

"Believe me the next five matches will be even tougher. The majority are obviously at home where sides are going to sit deep and the onus is on us to win - draws won't be good enough.

"Chippenham had two very handy wingers but I thought they looked vulnerable at the back. They play Salisbury this week so we want them to take points off each other but that will be no good to us if we come off the park having failed to beat Yate."

Taylor sprung a surprise at Hardenhuish Park by handing reliable youngster Stephen Harvey only his third start of the league campaign.

"I wanted to set up like-for-like with a back four and Harvey gave us that added protection on the flanks," said Taylor. "He's a lovely kid with a great attitude and you need those lads in the squad."