Lowestoft Town must maintain their 'edge' if they are pull away from the relegation places, according to manager Ady Gallagher.

The Trawlerboys chief was delighted by the intensity his side showed in the defeat of high-flying AFC Fylde as the Blues moved off the foot of the table with a 3-1 win on Tuesday.

But Gallagher hopes his men can shown the same level of competitiveness when they take on Bradford Park Avenue this afternoon with their opponents also potentially facing a perilous run-in given their close proximity to the bottom three.

'We often find that type of performance against teams we know are going to be really good,' admitted Gallagher, pictured, whose side are now out of the relegation zone in 18th.

'We knew we were in for a very tough game so it brings that edge to your play.

'We've got to bring that same edge against teams in and around us because when we do we're a match for everyone.

'We've got some home games coming up and it's important that we try and get some more points on the board to give us a bit of breathing space.

'We've got games in hand but they are only worth it if we can put a few points on the board as well.'

Michael Spillane celebrated his return from a four-match suspension with a superb strike against the Coasters.

His sending off at Curzon Ashton deprived the Blues of the defender for several weeks but he looked back to his best against Fylde.

Gallagher admits the presence of the former Norwich City man makes a massive difference to his side.

'To have someone of that quality will win you games,' said Gallagher.

'He's been missing for four games and it's crucial he stays on the pitch for us and he plays his part because we look a different team when he plays.'

Gallagher hopes Tuesday's win can be a turning point in the Blues season as the shock of seeing themselves bottom of the table appeared to jolt Lowestoft into life.

The Blues have games in hand on the teams around him, today's opponents aside, and Gallagher insists it is crucial his side make the most of them.

'I don't want to be looking at Lowestoft Town at the bottom of the table,' said Gallagher.

'We are in a relegation struggle with a lot of other sides.

'Even before (Fylde) it was in our hands. We've got games in hand and we're on the same points.

'It's crucial we use those games in hand and capitalise on that.

'This season will go down to the wire and unless we keep on performing to this level then it will go down to the wire for us as well.

'It is still in our hands but we need to use the result against Fylde as a platform.'