Lowestoft Town will need luck on their side to launch promotion bid, says Gallagher

Lowestoft Town joint boss Ady Gallagher admits it will be difficult for the Blues to challenge for promotion unless they are able to strengthen their squad.

Adam Smith and Erkan Okay were the latest to be crocked for the Trawlerboys at the weekend as Gallagher's men fought out a goalless draw at Metropolitan Police. With only 16 senior players in the squad Gallagher said that injuries to any of his players leaves the Blues worryingly short of options.

'We are going to have to be extremely lucky to maintain a charge with only 16 senior players,' said Gallagher, whose side welcome Hampton & Richmond to Crown Meadow tomorrow, kick-off 3pm. 'I know the 16 players are good enough – as I have said before, I believe they are the strongest group we've had. But injuries or suspensions will have a massive impact. We need to be lucky in that regard to stand half a chance.

'Realistically if we are to push on then we need to add to our squad but the chairman understands that and hopefully we can do something in the near future.'

Gallagher admits the lack of players at the management team's disposal is having an effect on their tactics in games.

'It is testament to the lads that we are where we are,' added Gallagher, whose side sit seventh in the Ryman League Premier Division table. 'We had one senior player on the bench on Saturday – the rest are from the youth team.

'It just means with all due respect to the younger lads that you are having to make reactive substitutes instead of trying to change the course of the game.'

Adam Smith (hamstring), Okay (dead leg) and Dan Gleeson (hamstring) are all likely to be missing tomorrow with Gallagher insisting he is not tempted to risk any of his players for fear of worsening their injuries.

'The boys are really giving it their all but we don't want to push players if they are carrying knocks,' he said. 'There is no sense in rushing a player back because he either doesn't play to the level he is capable of or he makes the problem even worse.'

Hampton & Richmond have had a mixed season so far as they currently sit in 17th place. 'They are a decent footballing side but we know in this league that it is always going to be tough no matter who you're up against,' said Gallagher.

'Every time we play these sorts of teams they raise their game and we have to be prepared for that.

'We're supposed to have all this money to spend – well I wish these other clubs would tell us where it is and we would spend it!'