Lowestoft Town joint boss Ady Gallagher was 'proud' of his side's second half performance against Needham Market and hopes the club can go on and enjoy a good run in the FA Trophy.

The Blues saw off a stubborn Needham side that was leading 2-1 at one stage in the first half but Lowestoft eased through the gears in the second period to confirm an FA Trophy second qualifying round date at Chippenham on Saturday, October 30.

Lowestoft have proved their cup pedigree in the past by going all the way to Wembley in the FA Vase and Gallagher is looking for his side to prove they can made the grade in the next tier.

'At this stage Wembley seems a mile away but we had a few good runs in the FA Vase and now we've moved up it's important that we get a good run in the Trophy as well,' said Gallagher.

'We know this competition is very tough and whoever we play in the next game, we are going to get a very tough encounter.

'But the team is starting to show signs of really finding some form.'

Lowestoft were made to work to confirm their passage into the next round but ultimately had too much quality for Needham, who themselves have enjoyed a good start to the season in Ryman League North.

Two goals from Matt Nolan and a Joe Francis free kick ensured Lowestoft went in at half time 3-2 up but it was the second half display that had Gallagher purring as further goals from Curtis Haynes-Brown, Andrew Fisk and Lee McGlone killed off the visitors.

'I was really proud of the second half performance today. Things are coming together and we need to keep believing in ourselves and see where it can take us.

'We were a bit off our game in the first half but we showed that we've still got something about us by coming in 3-2 up against a very difficult side to play against. We really stepped it up in the second period and I think we ran out worthy winners.'

Nolan showed that he is edging along the raod to full match fitness nicely with a penalty and a smart finish and Gallagher is excited to have the former King's Lynn man back in contention.

'It's pleasing for him to get another 60 plus minutes on the pitch,' added Gallagher. 'The fact that he has notched two goals shows just what quality he has got.

'His second one was excellent the way he stroked it in. It's great to get him back on the pitch as he's a very important player for us.'