Lowestoft Town defender Dean Leacock insists the Blues have shown they are 'a match for anyone' in the Bostik League Premier Division.

The Trawlerboys head to lowly Tooting & Mitcham this afternoon after narrowly going down to defeat against leaders Dulwich Hamlet last weekend.

Ex-Blue Rickie Hayles got the goal for the Londoners but there was much cause for optimism for the Blues as they adjust to new manager Dale Brooks' fresh ideas.

Leacock believes Lowestoft have shown that they can compete against the best the league has to offer as they look to climb the table from their 15th position.

'When we can get our first choice XI then we are a match for anyone,' said Leacock, who joined the Blues in the summer as a free agent having parted company with Welling.

'When we get it right then we take some stopping - we went to Burgess Hill earlier in the season and beat them 5-0 in their own backyard. We ran Billericay close which, when you consider the amount of money they've spent, takes some doing. There's work to do for us but we will be okay.'

Leacock's career hit the heights of the Premier League with Fulham and Derby County before dropping down the football pyramid with Leyton Orient and Notts County.

When you have come up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres life in the Bostik League Premier should hold few fears for the 33-year-old.

However, Leacock has been impressed by the standard of the division.

'There are definitely a lot of players that could go on to higher things but sometimes it's just about luck – being in the right place at the right time,' he told the Pink Un magazine, which is out on December 9.

'It's difficult at this level – most of the players have jobs they have to do in the week and they try to fit the football in around that. That's not easy – some of the younger players just need a bit of a break and then you're away.'

Lowestoft striker Jake Reed and defender Travis Cole both continue their suspensions this afternoon following their sendings off against Margate earlier this month whilst Adam Smith and Harry Barker are both doubts after missing the defeat at Dulwich.