Lowestoft Town director of football Craig Fleming is determined to see his side embark on a run in the FA Trophy after being handed an away tie against Hitchin Town in the second qualifying round.

The Trawlerboys had to twice come from behind at Brentwood on Saturday before Dale Cockrill's winner ensured their passage into the next round but Fleming believes the return of several key players from injury could give his side just the boost they need.

'Hitchin are at the same level as us – apart from that we don't know too much about them at this stage but we will be doing our homework,' said Fleming, who will take his side to Top Field on Saturday, November 5. 'Of course we want to go as far as we can in the competition. We've got a good cup pedigree and we will be looking to build on that. We've suffered with injuries recently but hopefully they are clearing up now and we can go on a bit of a run.'

Fleming believes that Cockrill's return has come at the right time after the midfielder's start to the season was interrupted by injury. The former Norwich City defender thinks when the 29-year-old attains full match fitness it will be like a new signing for the Blues.

'It's been tough for him being out but it's great to have him back – it's like having a new addition. 'He is a very good midfield player at this level, he has got a bit of everything and he is a big player for us to be honest. He just needs games now to get match fitness and he will be back at the level we know he is capable of.'

With the likes of Lubo Guentchev (virus), Greg Crane (neck), Erkan Okay (calf) and Scott Mitchell (hip flexor) all being out it has been a busy time for the Lowestoft medical team but Fleming praised the way his squad have responded.

'The lads have responded brilliantly to be fair to them,' he added. 'We've been missing some key players and apart from one half of football against Chelmsford they have been superb and it's a credit to them. We've got training on Tuesday night and we will assess how the boys are doing then. Lubo is back in the country now so we will see how he settles down before the weekend and hopefully Erkan, Mitch and Craney will also be in the running soon.'