Lowestoft Town travel to struggling Carshalton Athletic this afternoon but joint boss Ady Gallagher insists the Blues will not be taking them lightly.

Carshalton have endured a difficult start to the season resulting in them sitting second from bottom and Lowestoft will be strong favourites to strengthen their promotion bid.

However, Gallagher has warned his squad they must maintain their focus ahead of their trip to Colston Avenue against opposition desperate to drag themselves away from the Ryman League Premier danger zone.

'From their point of view Carshalton are at the wrong end of the table and I'm sure they will want to get a result against us,' said Gallagher. 'There's always a massive risk in playing teams like that.

'You know their desire is going to be there and we have got to match that and then let our quality come through.'

The Blues have endured a frustrating two weeks after seeing two matches postponed as a result of other teams' involvement in the FA Trophy.

However, Gallagher is determined to keep a positive mindset and views the break as a chance for several players to overcome niggling injuries.

'It's a bit of a doubled-edged sword – it would be good to try and build on recent performances but, by the same token, the squad was starting to look a little threadbare so it's a good chance for some of them to get over one or two knocks they had been carrying.

'You have to try and look at the positive of these kinds of things. Some of the fringe players managed to get a run-out with the reserves and it's good they managed to get 90 minutes in.'

Lowestoft will be without Jack Defty this afternoon through suspension after his red card against Braintree, although Dale Cockrill is expected to be involved despite a persistent knee problem.

Gallagher admitted it is an injury the midfielder will have to manage through the season.

'It's a niggly injury more than anything,' added Gallagher. 'He is able to get through games, it is just a matter of how hard he can push it. We are hopeful he can be involved.'

Andy Reynolds is likely to start despite suffering from tendonitis in his knees while Chris Henderson has shrugged off a tight hamstring to declare himself fit.

There was also some good news on long-term absentees Adam Smith (shin) and Dan Gleeson (back) in their rehabilitation. Smith expects to be able to start training again soon while Gleeson was able to begin running this week after surgery. The former Luton man is expected to be back in action later this month as long as he suffers no reaction.