It's time to make the Meadow a fortress – that's Ady Gallagher's message as his side prepare to entertain Hendon in the Ryman League Premier this afternoon.

Lowestoft's promotion campaigns of the past have been built on an excellent home record whilst their home form in the National League kept their heads above water for longer than perhaps some expected.

But the Blues have just one win at Crown Meadow so far this season and Gallagher admits that's got to change despite pointing out Lowestoft's tough start to the season.

'I was looking at the table and apart from Leiston we have played all of the top 12 teams so far this season,' said Gallagher. 'It's been a difficult start – we've played more away games than at home but during October that will even out.

'We've got to try and take advantage of that and make the Meadow a fortress. We've been very good at home in seasons gone by and we've got to make sure that continues.'

Lowestoft have already won one and lost one of their home games this month but with another four to come in October it represents a chance to really get the Blues faithful believing once again.

They will have to do a lot better than the display they produced against Dulwich on Tuesday when the Blues were thoroughly outplayed in a 3-0 defeat.

'It was a bit of a bolt from the blue given the last two or three games that we have played but we can't complain – Dulwich were better than us on the night,' admitted Gallagher. 'I don't think we reached the levels that we have set in the last two or three games which was disappointing but perhaps it was a game too far for us so quickly after Harlow.

'We gave away two silly goals and that gave them a lot of encouragement and we never really recovered.'

Gallagher insists he isn't too concerned by his side's display and believes the squad will give him a positive response against Hendon.

'We shouldn't beat ourselves up too much for the performance,' he added. 'Too many players were a four out of 10 but I still saw positives.

'There were players still trying to do the right things, showing an excellent attitude and that will stand us in good stead.

'I know I've got players that will normally give me a six or a seven out of 10 performance.'

Lowestoft have no new injury worries going in to tomorrow's clash but Gallagher insists he can't take any chances on players if they are carrying knocks.

'We should have a squad of 17 - if and when we can add to the squad then we will,' he said.

'But we need to make sure that we look after the players that we've got because we can't afford injuries.'