Lowestoft Town joint boss Micky Chapman has admitted that Adrian Forbes' substitute appearance and goal on Saturday has given the club's management team a lot to think about ahead of tonight's Ryman League Premier clash at home to Canvey Island (7.45pm kick-off).

Forbes came off the bench to get the game clinching second goal for the Blues in their 2-0 win at Wealdstone and Chapman said they could be tempted to start the former Norwich City winger this evening.

However, Chapman conceded that Forbes is still short of match fitness and could be utilised as an impact player once again against the Essex side.

'It was good for him to make his debut and it was great to see him get a goal,' said Chapman, whose side will go top of the table if they can get the three points following a first-defeat for leaders Sutton United at Kingstonian last night.

'He has given us something to think about but I think he will be the first to admit that he could do with a few more sessions to get up to the level of match fitness that the other lads have got.'

Forbes' Football League pedigree shone through at the weekend with his classy finish and Chapman believes the 31-year-old, who signed for the Blues last Thursday, will become a real fans' favourite at Crown Meadow.

'I think he is going to be a really popular figure here because you could see it meant a lot to him when he scored and he went over to our supporters and celebrated with them. He's a great character to have around and I'm sure he will prove to be a great addition to a very strong squad.'

Chapman admitted tonight's opponents will be looking to get their season back on track after a 2-0 reverse at home to Kingstonian on Saturday and believes the Gulls have shown more than enough so far this season to ensure Lowestoft approach the match in the right way.

'They have had some good results in the league so far and we know that they have got players that can hurt us,' he said. 'We are expecting another tough game but it's going to be nice to be at home.

'We've had a couple of long trips ourselves during the week this season but it will be good to be in front of our own fans and hopefully a lot of them will turn up once again.'

Meanwhile, Needham Market have been confirmed as Lowestoft's opponents in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy after their 4-2 win against Hitchin Town at the weekend. Lowestoft will travel to Bloomfields on Saturday, October 16 for the tie against the Ryman League North outfit.