Non-League Day is here, bringing increased coverage of the National League. The first of three live games from the National League system comes from the National League North as Kings Lynn hosts soon-to-be champions Tamworth at The Walks.
After missing out on automatic promotion by just two points, Kings Lynn lost to eventual play-offs winners Kidderminster 4-1 in the semi-finals.
The Linnets have been a disappointment this season and currently sit 16th, eight clear of relegation and 13 off the playoffs - miles off the pre-season expectations.
Adam Lakeland's side have given themselves breathing room with their recent performances, winning four in a row and are yet to taste defeat in nine matches. Despite being too far off the top seven to mount a promotion campaign, recent performances will encourage fans of the Linnets, with hopes of a more successful 2024/2025 season.
The main contrast between this season and last is home form, with Kings Lynn's 54 points from 23 home games ranking them top in this metric last campaign. However, in comparison, this season, Lakeland's side have only gained 22 points from 19 home games- ranking them a measly 19th.
With 48 goals scored and 56 conceded in 39 games, King's Lynn games have averaged 2.66 goals per game, with 44% of their games seeing less than three goals.
Tamworth have been far and away the best side in the National League North this season, far exceeding any expectations of them.
The Lambs ended their Southern League Central season in exhilarating form, only losing three of their final 17 games as they went on to win the title on goal difference over Coalville.
Andy Peaks' side are currently thirteen points clear of heavy pre-season favourites Scunthorpe, needing just nine points to secure an unexpected title.
With just seven defeats in 40 league games, the Lambs have established a reputation of being difficult to beat, illustrated by their 22 clean sheets and the fact they have conceded just 22 times so far.
Tamworth have currently lost just once in their last nineteen games in an incredible run of resilience on their way to the title. A tough journey to Kings Lynn to face an inform Linnets side is the next hurdle to overcome - one Andy Peaks will be more than confident of doing.
Aged 30, Johnny Margetts has already played out an interesting career, turning out for sides such as Cambridge, Stockport and Scunthorpe. Now plying his trade at Kings Lynn, he has been the linchpin to The Linnets' upturn in form. 33 goals in 28 games for 7th-tier Matlock Town saw Kings Lynn swoop in to secure his services and Adam Lakeland hasn't looked back. Margetts now has seven goals in eight starts for his new side, making it 40 goals in 36 games for two teams this campaign. His prolific finishing will be imperative to breaking down a resilient Tamworth rearguard.
Jordan Cullinane-Liburd has been colossal at the back for Tamworth this season and is another key reason for Tamworth's impressive defensive record. The 6'2 centre-back signed after three years at Brackley and will be looking to cement himself in the National League North team of the season. On top of his defensive performances, the 28-year-old has scored crucial goals including winners against Scarborough, Rushall Olympic and Curzon.
With Tamworth's rich vein of form coupled with their rock-solid defence, Andy Peaks side will fancy gaining more crucial points en route to back-to-back titles. With 12 of their 20 away games seeing under 2.5 goals, it is a theme I expect to continue in a tight and cagey game in front of the TNT Sports cameras.
Tamworth Double Chance and Under 3 goals - 2.00
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