King's Lynn face two huge games in National League North

King’s Lynn Town skipper Michael Clunan has hailed the club’s striking partnership of Gold Onotayo and Jordan Ponticelli going into two tough games over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Linnets host Leamington at The Walks tomorrow before making the short trip to face newly-promoted Peterborough Sports in an intriguing clash on Monday.

Omotayo and Ponticelli have scored five of Lynn’s eight goals in their four National League North fixtures.

The lethal partnership has helped propel Tommy Widdrington’s side to the top of the early league standings with a 100 per cent record.

Clunan, who has also scored two goals himself, said: “I’m really pleased for Gold as he took a lot of flak last season. It shows how strong he is mentally to put that behind him.

“He’s really rolled his sleeves up and come back even stronger this season. The way the manager wants to play suits him and he’s got such a good understanding with Ponts.

“We’re so lucky to have somebody like Jordan at this football club as he gives everything on the pitch every game.

“He can turn a bad ball into a good ball and just never gives up putting pressure on defenders. He’s such a good weapon to have.”

Despite Lynn’s lightning start, which sees them as one of only three teams in the top six tiers of the English game with an unblemished record, the midfielder is keeping his team’s good start to the season in perspective.

“It’s a great start and it couldn’t have gone much better, but it is only a start,” said Clunan.

“We’re putting that firmly behind us now and focusing on what will be a very difficult weekend.

“When you play on Saturday and Monday it’s always tough, both mentally and physically, so we will give it everything we can.”

The Brakes are managed by Paul Holleran who has been in the hot seat at The New Windmill Ground since November 2009.

Finishing in 15th spot last season Leamington’s main problem appeared to be a lack of goals.

“Leamington are always a tough side to play against,” said Clunan.

“Their manager always has his teams set up well defensively and they don’t give much away, so it’ll be

up to us to break them down.”

Monday’s clash at Peterborough Sports is a whole different ball game as Lynn’s skipper comes face-to-face with former Linnets Michael Gash, Ryan Fryatt and Nathan Fox.

Sports are managed by the highly-respected Jimmy Dean who has successfully guided the club from non league obscurity to Step Two in a handful of seasons.

The Turbines have already beaten both Southport and Chester this season and will be gunning for another scalp in Lynn.

Clunan said: “We’re expecting more of a fight at Peterborough Sports but that’s something we’ve got to get used to this year.

“We need to find a way to win, no matter who the opposition is or what the surface is like, it’s what good teams do.”

On the prospect of crossing paths with both Gash and Fryatt, Lynn’s skipper said: “I’m still really good friends with both, but once that whistles goes it will be forgotten about.

“You know what Gashy brings, Ryan is very sound defensively and Nathan has bags of energy, they’re a very good team.”