King's Lynn boss Keith Webb sounded a promotion battle cry on the eve of today's Southern League, Premier Division trip to Gloucester.

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb sounded a promotion battle cry on the eve of today's Southern League, Premier Division trip to Gloucester.

Early season cup heroics leave Webb's side facing a gruelling seven-match spell this month - aside from a League Cup quarter-final assignment for his young guns - which the Linnets chief insists will shape their league push.

Lynn face another road trip to bottom club Northwood barely 48 hours after this afternoon's West Country excursion, but Webb is backing his men to survive February's test of body and mind.

“It's a massive period for us,” he said. “If we are going to do anything then it has to be in the next few weeks. Of course the stamina and fatigue side of things is a factor when it comes to team selection. It's my job to keep everyone at the same level but right now I'm not looking beyond Gloucester.”

Webb is taking nothing for granted against a Tigers' outfit which has managed to pocket only one point from their last seven league matches at Meadow Park.

“I've been at the club long enough to know everyone loves to beat King's Lynn,” he said. “That is an added pressure we must handle. I don't care what league you play in, there is no such thing as an easy game. They've not had the best of times lately but it's about us. Gloucester won't be feeling too confident so I want us to hit the ground running.

“The lads have looked quite solid on the road of late - the result didn't go for us at Team Bath but that was down to not taking chances in the first half.”

Lynn travelled in buoyant mood after a goal romp against Yate who triumphed 3-0 at Meadow Park in midweek.

“Training was very bubbly - as you'd expect,” said Webb. “I don't think we'll look to make that many changes. Yate was a step forward but they've set standards now. The closing down side of things pleased me most. The front two caused all sorts of problems, we looked tight at the back and the midfield got on top. I thought Andrew Fisk, in particular, was excellent. If we match the work rate from last week then we'll be fine.”

Experienced keeper Paul Crichton is poised to replace injured number one Shaun Marshall (ankle). Norwich loan recruit Andrew Cave-Brown is on duty with the Scottish U19 squad at a Spanish training camp. Central defender Grant Cooper returns after a one-match suspension. Midfield playmaker Sam McMahon steps up his recovery from a niggling hamstring problem with a Ridgeons' reserve outing, but Matt O'Halloran (tight hamstring) has made the trip. The blond wide man remains a major doubt after limping out of Lynn's last two games.

Tiger's boss Tim Harris hands ex-Clevedon keeper Ray Johnson his debut following Matt Bath's surprise midweek departure to Cinderford Town.

Danny Hodnett is available but Tom Webb and Tom Hamblin are injury doubts.

“Obviously our home form has been a problem and we need to rectify that,” said Harris. “There's no confidence at Meadow Park just now even though the supporters have been great - that fear factor is back. With a new goalkeeper and Danny in the squad it's time we got things moving in the right direction again.

“Ray wants to give it another go at a higher level and we're happy to have him on board. He's enthusiastic, a great character and relishing the opportunity with us. Matt wasn't enjoying it here and if a player isn't enjoying it then it's time for them to move on.”

King's Lynn (from): Crichton, McAnally, West, Blois, Warren, Cooper, Crane, Fisk, Camm, Melton, O'Halloran, Defty, Notman, Nolan, Frew, Toms.