Lowestoft Town joint boss Ady Gallagher insists it is too early to consider this evening's Conference North clash at Stalybridge Celtic as a relegation 'six-pointer'.

The defeat at Guiseley on Saturday means the Blues are just a point off the drop zone as they go into tonight's clash against second-from-bottom Stalybridge.

Although Conference survival is the Trawlerboys' number one priority this season, Gallagher isn't entertaining thoughts his side are going to become embroiled in a relegation fight.

'I don't subscribe to the 'six-pointer' phrase,' said Gallagher. 'We have only just entered November so it's very early to be thinking like that.

'After a decent start a lot of people were talking about the play-offs but I never thought that was a realistic possibility. But by the same token we were always going to have little spells like the one we're going through.

'Survival is the number one priority but that doesn't mean we're looking to finish fourth from bottom. We just need to win as many games as possible and see where it takes us.

'It has taken us a while to settle this season but I feel as though the group are really starting to come together.

'Everyone is pulling in the right direction and the lads are believing in themselves.'

Lowestoft had tried to get this evening's match moved to a Saturday to avoid their players having to take time off work to travel to the game.

However, Stalybridge rejected the Blues' request meaning Lowestoft's resources will be stretched to the maximum. Lee Smith is a major doubt with a back injury whilst Chris Henderson (groin) and Erkan Okay (knee) are also struggling.

Jefferson Louis, Ashlee Jones and Robert Eagle can't make it due to work commitments but Sam Gaughran will be available as his suspension for his red card at Guiseley doesn't kick in until later this month.

The Blues defender's dismissal was the turning point in Lowestoft's defeat at Nethermoor but Gallagher insists he will bounce back from the error.

'Sam made a mistake – in fact he made two mistakes in trying to rectify the first,' said Gallagher. 'But Sam is a real leader in the team and I'm sure he will bounce back.

'He was distraught on Saturday and felt like he had let the team down.

'He wears his heart on his sleeve and he felt like he had cost us the result.

'But he has save us enough times during his time here and has been a great servant.'