Lowestoft Town goalkeeper Andy Reynolds believes the squad have an added motivation for promotion after Jack Defty was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.

The Blues' top goalscorer suffered the injury in the 1-1 draw at Bury Town on Tuesday night and Reynolds hopes the squad can go on and claim promotion to honour their stricken team-mate.

'It's a hell of a player to lose at this stage of the season but it's a bit of motivation now to do something for one of our mates,' said the 25-year-old, who excelled at Ram Meadow with a series of fine saves paving the way for Lee Smith to rescue a point with a late penalty. 'Jack's been a great player all season for us and instrumental to the way we play but I think the management have been sensible and got someone in like Hakeem (Araba), who is a similar build and causes similar problems.

'Ultimately we are not a one-man team – we've got a hell of a squad. We can change formation and change systems and all be comfortable with it.'

Reynolds acknowledged that dropping points against Carshalton Athletic and Bury Town had all but ended the club's title bid.

Lowestoft travelled to Thurrock last night after the Journal went to press and Reynolds believes the Trawlerboys must now focus on making it third time lucky in the play-offs.

'We've got to be realistic,' he said. 'The management will be sensible and make sure they rotate players and make sure that everyone is fresh so they can pick the right team for the play-offs.

'We as players have also got to do our bit and make sure that we take care because it's a game every other day now. It's a bit of a shift to finish the season but we've got it in us – we've got the squad to cope with the demands.'

Reynolds played a huge part in Lowestoft avoiding successive defeats against Bury as he won two personal duels against striker John Sands to keep the Ram Meadow favourite at bay.

'It takes a lot to get the ball through our defence normally so I don't do too much,' said Reynolds, who has been competing for the number one jersey with Andrew Plummer this season. 'The team does a good job in front of me nine times out of 10. But it's nice to come in and make a few saves having not played for a while. It's good to know the eye is in and I haven't lost it!'