Lowestoft Town boss Ady Gallagher would love to have 'a nice distraction' from the league as they prepare for the visit of Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Trophy first round qualifying.

Outside of the Suffolk Premier Cup, cup competitions haven't been kind to the Trawlerboys in recent seasons. Their run to the FA Cup first round proper in 2009 feels like a distant memory and Gallagher would love a run in a national competition. 'Any cup run is always more than welcome for any club at this level,' said Gallagher, whose side would claim £2,500 with victory.

'The cups have not gone well for us in recent seasons but we've been lucky enough to have a couple of home ties so far this season.

'We didn't take advantage of that in the FA Cup (losing 3-0 to Histon in the first qualifying round) but we've got another chance in the Trophy.

'It would be a nice distraction for us from the toils of the league.'

Gallagher knows his side will have to show a marked improvement from their display in the league against Dulwich, who came away from Crown Meadow with a convincing 3-0 win.

'Let's be honest, they were very good value for their win in the league here,' added Gallagher, whose side claimed a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Bognor Regis last Saturday. 'They put us under a lot of pressure and we were well beaten on the day.

'It will be a good challenge for us to see if we can respond and show we are a lot better than that. I think we showed against Bognor last weekend what we're capable of.'

Gallagher cancelled training on Tuesday to give his squad a chance to get over a few bumps and bruises. He is hopeful the likes of Andrew Fisk and Michael Spillane can return after missing the win over Bognor.

Goalkeeper Josh Glover will retain his place ahead of Jamie Waite after a superb display last weekend and Gallagher is pleased with the competition between his shot-stoppers.

'We've got some good competition between our keepers, which is encouraging,' he said. 'I want players in every position to feel like if they don't perform then there is someone capable of stepping in.'