Lowestoft Town have extended the loans of Matthew Foy and Nico Cotton for another month from Cambridge United and Southend United respectively.

Manager Dale Brooks hopes the paperwork is completed in time for the pair to be involved in the Blues' Bostik League Premier Division clash at home to Harlow Town this afternoon.

Foy impressed during his initial month-long loan spell, scoring two in the 5-2 win at Tooting & Mitcham whilst Cotton has also settled well once again having been on loan with Lowestoft for the second half of last season.

'We're glad to get both of them for another 28 days,' said Brooks, who took over the reins from Ady Gallagher as boss in November. 'Hopefully the paperwork is all done in time for them to feature (against Harlow). I've got a good relationship with both of the clubs and we make sure that we do take good care of them. It's good news for us to have them back involved.' Lowestoft have not been in action since the start of the month in that away win at Tooting and Brooks hopes the enforced break could work in his side's favour.

'The break has helped one or two of the niggles to heal a little,' he said. 'If we don't play well on Saturday then people will say it's because of the break and if we do play well then they will say the same.

'We now need to try and build a bit of momentum as the games come thick and fast over the Christmas period.'

Lowestoft entertain Harlow this afternoon before travelling to Suffolk rivals Leiston on Boxing Day. They complete the festive schedule with a trip to Worthing on Saturday, December 30 before entertaining Brightlingsea Regent on New Year's Day.

But first they must see off the challenge of Harlow, who have already beaten the Trawlerboys twice this season in the FA Cup and the league.

Harlow sit third from bottom in the table but Brooks admits they will have to keep a close eye on their star striker Alex Read.

'I used the free Saturday to watch them last weekend,' said Brooks. 'We know what they're about – Alex Read up front is a very good striker - his work ethic is second to none and he scores a lot of goals. But we need to focus on what we're good at and get a result.'