Lowestoft Town director of football Craig Fleming believes the club should be grateful to its players for the time and commitment they have shown in their Conference North campaign so far.

The Blues made the fourth of 21 long trips north on Tuesday evening before succumbing to a Worcester City side that played most of the match with 10 men.

The fact many of the players weren't back in their beds until 3am on Wednesday morning before getting up for work the next day made their pointless trip to Aggborough all the more difficult to take.

The reality of Lowestoft's task in Conference North is starting to bite but Fleming has nothing but praise for his squad for the way they have taken to the challenge so far.

'I think everyone at the club should be extremely grateful to the players for the time and effort they are putting in,' said the former Norwich City defender. 'They aren't getting any more money than they were at Ryman level and they are having to spend a lot more time away from their families.

'You just hope the prospect of playing at some very good clubs fires them up and so far it has been.'

Lowestoft entertain Bradford Park Avenue at Crown Meadow this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) and despite their efforts Fleming admitted his squad is in desperate need of reinforcements.

However, the Lowestoft chief says it is difficult to attract players to the club given the amount of travel involved for away games and won't consider 'parking' players up north.

'We badly need a couple more players to balance the squad out. We only had four subs on Tuesday and it's very difficult.

'But it is very difficult for a southern club like ours to get the players we need in. The amount of time players have to commit is a big factor.

'I don't think it works to 'park' players around the country as I don't think it helps the dressing room at all.

'Our biggest thing last year was the spirit we had and it took us to promotion. We haven't quite managed to replicate that this year but it will come.'

Lowestoft will be without Dan Gleeson this afternoon with the former Luton man struggling with the ankle injury he sustained at Gainsborough last month.

Robert Eagle will also be unavailable after his red card at Worcester – Chris Henderson could be asked to switch to the left flank to fill the void.

Bradley Woods-Garness is nearing a comeback following his long-term knee problem although Fleming admitted it will take some time for the former Canvey Island striker to attain match fitness.