"Bucks begin campaign at promotion hopefuls King's Lynn"

Match Date : August 9th, 2025 3:00 pm
Competition : National League North
Ground : The Walks Stadium
Kick Off : 15:00

After two seasons away, the Bucks will return to Step 2 action with a tricky trip to promotion-hunting King’s Lynn Town.

Having re-formed in 2010, the Linnets spent the next decade climbing the pyramid. The Norfolk club took their place in the National League North for the first time in 2019/20, and they promptly marched straight on through to Step 1 by claiming the title in the Covid-affected campaign. Two seasons of struggle in the National League Premier followed, with the Linnets reprieved from relegation in 2020/21 before eventually succumbing to the drop in 2021/22.

Back in Step 2, King’s Lynn have tended to challenge at the top end of the table. An 18th-place finish in 2023/24 was a low point, but it was sandwiched between 2nd and 6th place finishes, and Town are expected to be in the promotion mix again this year.

Despite that 6th-place finish last season, manager Adam Lakeland was shown the door by new owners Turn Sports Investments, who took over the club in May. With rumours of a 30% decrease in budget, the Linnets seemed set for a tumultuous summer at that stage. But the appointment of James Rowe shortly afterwards quickly changed the narrative, and Town head into the season as second favourites for the league behind Kidderminster.

New manager Rowe had successful spells in charge of Gloucester City, Chesterfield, and AFC Fylde, and he has certainly had a busy summer reshaping his squad. Notable arrivals include attacking midfield Jack Lambert (Chester) and the returns of two fan favourites in the shape of former captain Michael Clunan (Scunthorpe) and 2019/20 title-winning goalgetter Adam Marriott (Boston United). Elsewhere, Rowe has recruited two of the most consistent young centre backs from the Southern Premier League Central in the form of Tai Fleming (Banbury) and Tom Dickens (Sudbury).

The Bucks haven’t won any of the six games played against the Linnets, with King’s Lynn winning the last four encounters. Most recently, Town thumped the Bucks home and away during the 2022/23 season, running out 4-0 winners at the New Bucks Head and 3-0 victors at The Walks. Kevin Wilkin’s men are unbeaten 18 competitive matches though, and the Bucks will be hoping to carry the momentum of the playoff success into the new campaign.

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

Tickets: Tickets can be bought online here. We urge all supporters to purchase in advance where possible as there will be an additional charge on match day.

Website: www.kltown.co.uk

Ground Address: The Walks Stadium, Tennyson Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5PB