Lowestoft Town joint boss Ady Gallagher admits his side will have 'to fight for their lives' against Suffolk rivals Leiston this afternoon, kick-off 1pm.

The injury-hit Blues defied the odds last weekend to produce an outstanding performance in beating high-flying Dulwich Hamlet at Crown Meadow. But Gallagher knows there can be no let-up from his squad in what's sure to be an ultra-competitive derby against big-spending Leiston.

'If we go to Leiston expecting to win a game, just because we've had a good performance, then we'll come unstuck,' said Gallagher, whose side moved up to sixth at the weekend, just outside the play-offs.

'The reality is there's no easy games in this league, I'm expecting a very, very tough game against local opposition, an incredibly tough game.

'Hopefully players can come in but there is no guarantee that they will so we just go in with the bare bones and fight for our lives like we did against Dulwich to have half a chance.'

Lowestoft are closely monitoring the fitness of Dan Gleeson, who has been nursing a hamstring injury, whilst a late decision will be made on Andrew Fisk, who was due to have nine stitches out of the ankle injury he suffered at Thamesmead earlier this month.

'Andrew's getting closer but we will just have to wait and see on him,' said Gallagher. 'Dan (Gleeson) is getting closer all the time – if he's back, then fantastic, because you need as many senior players in your squad as possible.'

An injury crisis was threatening to scupper any designs Lowestoft had of staying in contention for a play-off slot. For several games this month the Blues have had just 11 fit senior players to choose from. However, Gallagher is delighted with the way the club has stuck together and feels his players deserve credit for staying in promotion contention.

'We've come through a very difficult period, with three games when we've only been able to pick from 11 senior players and we got one back to take us back up to 12,' he said. 'To come out of that period with an away draw and a win was brilliant for us boys – really, really good.

'In reality we fancy our chances against every team, we are a good side, but you have got to play at your best.'