'There's plenty more where that came from' – that's Ady Gallagher's message after Jake Reed grabbed his first goal of the season in Lowestoft Town's win at Billericay.

The Blues hot-shot got the only goal of the game at New Lodge in midweek after going three matches without notching.

But Reed demonstrated his prowess at this level with a fine header and Gallagher hopes it can be the start of a goalscoring spree as the Blues prepare to travel to Havant & Waterlooville this afternoon.

Reed was Lowestoft's top goalscorer last season with 21 goals in the National League North and Blues fans will be expecting a similar return in the Ryman League this season. Gallagher is certain Reed will deliver.

'It (Reed's goal at Billericay) will be the first of many – he's a top player for us,' said the Lowestoft chief. 'Like all strikers he wants to get off the mark as quickly as possible and he will be looking to build on that goal now.

'Reedy has shown in all his time with Lowestoft that he knows where the goal is and he's a very important player.'

Jake Jessup will keep his place in the side after impressing in Lowestoft's last two outings against Tonbridge Angels and Billericay.

Jessup got his chance due to Jamie Waite's unavailability last weekend and Gallagher kept faith in the former Great Yarmouth Town youngster on Tuesday despite Waite's return.

Gallagher hopes it demonstrates to the players that aren't in his starting XI that their chance will come.

'I think it's important for players to realise there will be opportunities,' he added. 'If they take that chance then they will stay in the side.

'You can only pick 11 players and it's only natural that you have to disappoint some players.

'But if you are performing when you're in the side then you're going to stay there. That's the competition, and kind of good pressure, that you want.'

Jessup played his part in the Blues keeping their first clean sheet of the season in midweek and Gallagher is determined for it to be the first of many.

'Just as much of a boost as Reedy's first goal was us keeping our first clean sheet,' said Gallagher, who revealed that defender Michael Spillane should be fit this afternoon despite a slight calf strain. 'We've been reasonably tight so far although we've given away a couple of disappointing goals.

'It was important to get that first clean sheet because it gives all the defensive lads a boost.'