Lynn ready to flex muscles

King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor insists his Southern League Premier Division title contenders can handle the rough stuff ahead of today's tussle with relegation-threatened Northwood.

Lynn edged out bottom club Chesham in a battle of brawn last time at The Walks and Taylor expects another potential arm wrestle this afternoon.

The visitors sit just above the relegation zone but still embroiled in a three-way tussle with Ryman and Northern Premier counterparts to avoid the drop for one additional club.

Taylor accepts Northwood's precarious position makes them a dangerous animal.

“In their own minds they have nothing to lose,” he said. “We haven't lost for a while and you could imagine their manager using that as extra motivation. Northwood are no mugs - we will treat them no differently to Salisbury when they come here next month.

“We'll need to be patient, diligent at the back, sharp in midfield and prepared to take our chances up front. It's a game we need to play high up the pitch so the midfield can support the lads up top, otherwise the ball just goes back and forth.”

Taylor feels Lynn's recent title surge dispels any lingering doubts his men possess enough steel to match the silky football.

“Tiverton tried to kick us off the park last Saturday,” he said. “It's a physical league, but if teams think we can't handle that sort of stuff they are mistaken. We have lads who are not afraid to put their foot in and can look after themselves.”

The Linnets chief is set to name an unchanged starting line-up for the fourth successive match - a key factor in Lynn's run up the rails.

“Everyone knows their positions and who to mark,” he said. “Having a settled side is one thing, but the experienced lads have also worked hard for me. Shaun Carey has played ever so well in the last month. He's prepared to sit there and offer protection to the back four.

“Westy and Sam (McMahon) do my organising. We talk beforehand about what we might have to do during games to change things - they are my eyes and ears out on the pitch.”

Taylor is refusing to ditch the simple promotion philosophy that has propelled Lynn into a full-on title tilt.

“Just win every game,” he said. “I'd settle for 1-0s all the way now which means we keep picking up three points. If we do then goal difference isn't going to come into it.

“All I'm focused on is the next 90 minutes. The trip to Mangotsfield next Saturday or Bath facing Salisbury on Tuesday will take care of itself.”

Northwood keeper Liam Watson (ankle) is expected to miss what boss Colin Payne accepts is a huge match at both ends of the table.

“At this stage of the season the pressure mounts and games are massive for clubs in and around promotion or, as in our case, a relegation battle,” he said.

“When you consider we only had nine points on the board going into December, to have picked up a further 26 with a small budget in a difficult league means we must remain positive and upbeat.”

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