Gary Setchell's King's Lynn squad is in good form with the Linnets seven points clear at the top of the UCL and through to the last eight of the League Cup.

King’s Lynn boss Gary Setchell believes Linnets can upset Norwich City in Norfolk Senior Cup quarter-final

Paddy Davitt Tuesday, January 17, 2012
9:32 AM

King’s Lynn boss Gary Setchell expects the Linnets to rise to the occasion in tonight’s Norfolk Senior Cup quarter-final against a Norwich City XI at The Walks (7.45pm).

Setchell admits promotion from the United Counties League remains the number one objective but another Carrow Road trip offers a welcome distraction.

Lynn were beaten by Dereham in the final last season and Setchell is seeking inspiration from the Magpies’ last four success 12 months ago over Norwich.

“We respect them hugely and what they are doing at the minute, but it is a game we can relish,” he said. “Whoever they put out, of course, they will be expected to win. If they don’t play any of the established lads then that makes us less of an underdog, but I want us to go and enjoy the experience.

“I think the King’s Lynn public will turn out for it. They have come in great numbers this season and this is one without the pressure of the league to worry about. We can give it a really good go. I’m sure whoever Norwich play on the night, they will come here expecting a tough game.”

Setchell’s squad is in good form with Lynn seven points clear at the top of the UCL and through to the last eight of the League Cup.

“At home we are a match for any side,” he said. “We have lost once in the league, once in the FA Vase and once in the FA Cup this season, so we are full of confidence.

“We got through to the semi-finals of the FA Vase last season and the fourth qualifier of the FA Cup this time around, so I think I have lads who seem to raise their game against the better opposition. The Achilles heel for us is facing the sides when we are expected to win.”

Setchell confirmed defender Ross Watson is poised to make his long-awaited return from injury tonight with powerful striker Jack Defty also set to step up his recovery from a knee injury.

“Ross will play 20 or 30 minutes,” said Setchell. “He needs to get back involved after being out for so long.

“It doesn’t matter whether we are 1-0 up, 1-1, or 1-0 down because obviously the priority for us is to get out of the league this year. Jack started for the first time at the weekend and he needs minutes as well.

“If he is not facing a Dani Ayala or one of the other established boys I think he would be a test for any 18 or 19 year old defender.”

The Canaries have not released squad details, but a line up featuring Zak Whitbread and Ayala alongside the club’s academy talent hammered Dereham 5-1 in the previous round.

Admission prices at The Walks this evening are £8 adults, £6 concessions, £3 for juniors (aged 12 to 15) and free entry for children aged 11 and under. An additional £1 charge is applicable for a grandstand seat.

The winners of tonight’s tie will face Gorleston in the semi-finals with Thetford hosting Norwich St John’s in the other tie.

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6 comments

Smudger,You are Lucky NCFC are prepared to drop there standards and play Sunday League teams Like KL.....Think of the income you will get from watching Norwich 5th Team!

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dave123

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Smudger,You are Lucky NCFC are prepared to drop there standards and play Sunday League teams Like KL.....Think of the income you will get from watching Norwich 5th Team!

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dave123

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Smudger,You are Lucky NCFC are prepared to drop there standards and play Sunday League teams Like KL.....Think of the income you will get from watching Norwich 5th Team!

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dave123

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
A Farce !! How Do you Explain that then Smudger ?, NCFC have forfeited home advantage due to them 1: being in the Premier League and 2: this gives any team that plays NCFC better Gate Receipts. Getting better Gate Receipts helps the Local clubs with Funds. I'm sure Dereham Loved playing them at home even tho they lost and i'm sure Kings Lynn are Relishing playing them at the Walks and gaining much needed Extra gate income. It's Not 1 rule for NCFC and 1 for Others, as ANY TEAM can Forfeit playing at Home.

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CanarySid

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
I don't see how you can criticise them for that. Surely it's more beneficial to have them in the competition than not ? The fact that are prepared to play at the other grounds instead of colney makes sense to me. If they were forced to play at Carrow Road they would simply prefer not to be in the competition so they maintain their pitch for the premier league. Isn't it better for the smaller clubs to have improved gate receipts that a NCFC team brings ?

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CapeTownCanary

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Good luck Kings Lynn. NCFC have turned this competition into a farce by getting away with not playing at home until the final, even when they are drawn at home. One rule for them and one for all the other competitors.

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Smudger

Tuesday, January 17, 2012