Deadline day is a major concern for Lowestoft Town boss Dale Brooks

The Trawlerboys have until Saturday, March 31 to register more players and help the Trawlerboys fulfil their remaining fixtures.

The deadline will also mean that other clubs will not be able to continue to poach their players but Brooks admits he is concerned the Blues may not be able to stay competitive if injuries and suspensions hit after March 31.

'It's a worrying time between now and the end of the season because a lot will depend on what players I can get registered,' said Brooks. 'If we can keep the majority of the squad we've got and bring a couple in then I think we can stay up.

'But it's the injuries that can cripple you – two or three more and we would struggle to be competitive.

'We've got eight games after the 31st so it's a worry.'

Brooks revealed that several local clubs have wanted to help the Blues but fixture backlogs in other leagues is preventing them from doing so.

'It may be that we register several more players but they might only be able to help us for one or two games along the way,' added Brooks.

'These lads have got commitments with other clubs. I know that some local sides would like to help us out but their backlog of fixtures is so bad that they can't afford to lend us any players.'

One crumb of comfort for Brooks is that the remaining members of the squad have agreed to see out the season with the Blues despite still not being paid in the wake of Rossi Jarvis' departure.

Lowestoft can't afford to take their eye off the need for points in their battle against relegation and face a six-pointer against bottom-placed Burgess Hill this afternoon.

'Burgess Hill are a lot better side than they are given credit for,' said the Blues chief. 'It's going to be a very competitive game.

'When we went down there, with all due respect, we had a much stronger squad and we gave them a hiding.

'They will be expecting a tough game but it's a totally different situation.'