Lowestoft Town joint boss Ady Gallagher hailed the impact of Erkan Okay this season after the midfielder got on the scoresheet in the Blues' impressive 3-1 win over Metropolitan Police on Wednesday.

Jack Defty bagged a brace to help take the Trawlerboys to within 11 points of leaders Whitehawk with four games in hand, but it was the performance of Okay that had the management team purring.

The former Histon man has gone from bit-part squad player to one of the first names on the team-sheet and Gallagher believes his enthusiasm is rubbing off on his team-mates.

'Erkan has been excellent for us – he has had to wait a long time to get his chance in the position he wanted but he has taken it with both hands,' said Gallagher, whose side rallied from 3-1 down to claim a point at Harrow Borough on Saturday. 'He has just got better and better and better as the season has gone on. His goal on Wednesday just topped off what excellent form he is in.

'He has made a massive contribution and is a great leader to have in the dressing room. He is a winner and he demands that from the other lads as well.'

Dan Gleeson made his first start in the league since a back operation in October in the victory as the former Luton man sat deep in midfield to allow the likes of Okay, Andrew Fisk and Lee Smith to get forward.

'Dan has got a lot of experience and he has played that role before,' added Gallagher. 'He has a really good influence on the other players and he is a natural leader. It's good for him to be back and it's a role he plays very well.'

Lowestoft will be looking to keep the pressure up on their title rivals tomorrow when Hampton & Richmond come to Crown Meadow, kick-off 3pm.

If the Blues can maintain the form they have shown in a 16-match unbeaten run in the league they could yet overhaul Whitehawk.

However, Gallagher insists the Blues are not thinking about anything beyond the visit of Hampton.

'The only way we can affect the other sides is to keep picking up points,' he said. 'We've just got to make sure we don't get bogged down into looking too far ahead. All we can do is focus on the next game and see where it takes us.'