A look at Sunday’s play-off semi-final clash at King’s Lynn Town…
By Matty Paddock - 05/05/2023
Posted 3 years ago
RUSS Penn wants his team to use their good form to their advantage against play-off “favourites” King’s Lynn on Sunday.
Harriers punched their ticket to the semi-finals and a trip to Norfolk with a battling 1-0 success at Alfreton on Tuesday.
Lynn, meanwhile, are well rested after ending their season with a win on home soil against Curzon Ashton last weekend.
They had hoped such a victory would be enough to win them the National League North title, but AFC Fylde’s win meant they were forced to make do with a second-place finish in the table.
They’ll have no time to dwell on that disappointment, though, as the play-offs kick off for them in earnest at the weekend.
The hosts go into the match in superb form, notching seven successive victories to ensure that title charge did at least go into the last day.
That, coupled with home advantage and a huge 93-point tally for the season put the Linnets in a position as being favourites for the game.
Russ Penn knows that Harriers are in good form, too, having intriguingly also won their last seven on the bounce.
Looking at the tie, Penn said: “They’re probably the favourites logistically and where they finished in the table, but others will see different.
“Our run of form is seven wins on the bounce and one defeat in 12, so we’re hitting this game on peak form, really.
“You couldn’t ask for better form going into a play-off game.
“The squad is buzzing at the moment and we’re looking forward to it.”
Penn praised the work of Lynn chief Mark Hughes who stepped into the breach at The Walks in the wake of the controversial departure of previous boss Tommy Widdrington.
Reflecting on Lynn’s end to the season and chase for the title, the Harriers chief added: “I think the only difference was the games against each other, from which Fylde took four points.
“They’re a tough team and have some great players.
“The Manager has moved on, but Mark has kept the continuity going with the same side and, when you look at the bench, they’re strong.
“They’re a full-time club like ourselves so it’ll be a different spectacle on Sunday.
“The game six weeks ago was a good game. Either side could’ve nicked it and I think that serves up well for the spectators on Sunday.”
Penn has no new injury concerns ahead of the journey.
Harriers are expected to be backed by another impressive away following at the weekend.
Almost 1,000 fans travelled to cheer them on to victory at Alfreton in midweek, with 700 tickets sold for Sunday’s tie at the time of writing.
Tickets remain available from the King’s Lynn website. Subject to availability, tickets will be available from the ticket office at The Walks from 10:30am on Sunday, but to avoid disappointment, advance, online purchase is strongly recommended.
Limited away travel also remains on sale from Harriers, available online only, up to and including Saturday afternoon.
Fans who aren’t able to make the match can watch it in the Harriers Arms (tickets are on sale now) or by buying a National League streaming pass to view the action at home.
Don’t forget, kick off on Sunday is at 12:30pm.
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