Paddy Davitt King's Lynn boss Keith Webb insists today's FA Trophy first round test at Workington is the perfect distraction. Webb is adamant the club's stuttering Blue Square North play-off bid can only benefit from a Borough Park victory and a place in the last 32 of non league's blue riband cup competition.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb insists today's FA Trophy first round test at Workington is the perfect distraction.

Webb is adamant the club's stuttering Blue Square North play-off bid can only benefit from a Borough Park victory and a place in the last 32 of non league's blue riband cup competition.

"I definitely want a cup run," he said. "I haven't had one as a manager and if we can get through and land a home tie there are some big clubs we could draw the further we go in this.

"Winning games is a great habit and it's so important because it can only help the confidence.

"It would be nice to have a run because I don't think the club has a great record in this competition. That is something we will stress to the players."

Webb is confident of beating the current cold snap again after last weekend's 1-1 league draw in Cumbria only went ahead following a late pitch inspection. Workington officials held a pre-emptive inspection on Thursday after more frost and freezing conditions but Lynn's squad was cleared to travel overnight.

"It's always going to be an issue at this time of year," said Webb. "Until we are told differently we assume the game is on. There was an area of the pitch last week that got very crusty and progressively worse with the low temperatures.

"The officials showed common sense and took on board how far we had travelled. I hope that will be the case again because the last thing we want is to have to come back in midweek. Likewise, I doubt they would want to travel to us for a replay."

Defender Bradley Thomas, pictured, returns to the squad after missing the league clash with an Achilles injury. The Crawley loan signing will undergo a late fitness test. Midfielder Scott Mitchell (leg) and Ben Chapman (shoulder) are injury doubts. Charlie Defty has been added to the squad while Mark Peters stepped up his comeback in training this week from a long term knee injury.

"I think Rhino is two weeks or so away from being available," said Webb. "Chappers' has done his old injury. He's got a bit of bone floating about that he jarred last week and he was in a lot of pain. Scott has a knock as well so we'll give them both as long as possible.

"We started sluggishly last week but you have to give Workington some credit. We actually had the first chance but then they scored and put us under the cosh. They had a couple of sharp lads up front but I believe we might have seen the best of them. I know they didn't see the best of us."

Webb pulled out of a move for a player from crisis-club Stafford in midweek but underlined he is still in the market for quality additions - and not solely to bolster his attacking armoury.

"No, he wasn't a striker," said Webb. "He just felt it was too far to travel for the money on offer. He wanted silly money and felt what we offered wasn't worth it. I don't want anyone to think there is any indecision on my part but, I'll stress again, you're talking big money to get the right player. In the current climate clubs are feeling the pinch and it's difficult for everyone.

"I'm looking to put together a squad that is capable of, a: getting us out of this league and b: holding our own in the one above. It will take time but we're always looking to improve. If you look at our bench in games it has been strong, which is a good sign for the club. What I can't afford to do is leave ourselves short on numbers with injuries and suspensions. That has to be a factor when it comes to balancing what we have to work with here."

Workington boss Darren Edmondson has signed Carlisle defender Darren Campion on loan and ex-Morecambe centre back Andrew Langford.

Campion is expected to partner Kyle May in the Reds' backline with Edmondson desperate to finish the tie at the first attempt.

"If it is close with not long to go then I'll be pushing people forward to do what we need to get a result," he said. "With the players' work commitments it would be difficult for us if we had to face a replay. We know all about King's Lynn now. I doubt either side will change much. Obviously we will need to replace Lee Andrews but it will be roughly the same team."

Andrews underwent minor knee surgery earlier this week. Winning clubs receive £5,000 in prize money. A potential replay would take place at The Walks on Tuesday.

Lynn (from): Howie, Weaver, Chapman, Graham, Crane, Thomas, C Defty, Camm, Frew, Mitchell, Fisk, Smith, Sedgemore, J Defty, Joachim, Turner, Francis, Murray.

Read Mark Hearle's exclusive behind-the-scenes club column every Thursday only on edp24.co.uk/kingslynn