Lowestoft Town director of football Craig Fleming insists he has not been taken by surprise at the ease with which his side have taken to life in Conference North.

Many fans were unsure if Lowestoft could make the step up following their promotion last season but seven points from their opening three games has allayed those fears.

The Trawlerboys head to Gainsborough Trinity today looking to continue their impressive start and Fleming says he always knew he had the players to make an impact at this level.

'I haven't been surprised with them at all,' he said. 'I've always said we've got very good players at this club and I think all of them can play at an even higher level. They have been three very tough games but the lads have been magnificent in the way they have adapted.

'What I would say is that I think even I underestimated the step up in level – I didn't think it would be as big as it has been.

'I just think the standard of players and the fitness of them has gone up a notch. Sometimes when you're promoted you don't notice a big difference but I think the jump we've made in quality is similar to when you get out of the Championship into the Premier League.'

One man who has made the jump look easier than most is Shaun Bammant, who got the only goal in the win over AFC Fylde last weekend. It was the former Dereham Town man's second of the season and Fleming believes the striker is getting the rewards for his honest toil up front.

'You look at most of our squad and a lot of them have been with big clubs and dropped down but that's not the case with Bammo. He has come up very quickly through to the Conference and I think he's proof what can become of you if you work really hard. The lads absolutely love him because of it.'

Lowestoft's ranks could be further boosted by the return of Dan Gleeson after the Blues skipper came through a friendly against Ipswich Under-21s on Tuesday unscathed.

'His return will be a massive boost,' added Fleming, who also revealed Bradley Woods-Garness is edging closer to fitness after a long-term knee injury. 'Gleeson is such an important part of the team with his organisational skills and composure on the ball.'