Lowestoft manager Micky Chapman is backing his men to turn on the championship style at Soham today in the Ridgeons League, Premier Division.

Lowestoft manager Micky Chapman is backing his men to turn on the championship style at Soham today in the Ridgeons League, Premier Division.

Last season's top dogs are yet to register a league win, but Chapman insists the Blues can take heart from last week's FA Cup success.

"We are in a better position than we were at this stage 12 months ago," he said. "We're not firing on all cylinders as a side and as individuals. We're still unbeaten, and picking up results is a key thing. In the past, victories over Lowestoft were seen as a bit of a scalp. Everyone wants to beat the champions so the games are even bigger this year and we have to deal with that added pressure."

Craig Lewis (hamstring) is sidelined for a fortnight. Striker Gary McGee marked his comeback from a broken toe against Diss last season with a midweek goal for the second string, but Chapman is taking no risks.

"To have Gary returning is a big plus," said Chapman. "There's no good rushing him back too quickly so he'll stay with the reserves and get match fit before coming into first team contention."

Chapman is preparing his side for a stiff test at Soham before the Blues welcome early pacesetters Wroxham to Crown Meadow on Tuesday.

"Soham is a very, very hard place to go and get a result so we're expecting a tough game," he said. "If lady luck is on our side then hopefully we can pick up the first three points. Wroxham have started very well and made some good signings. They are always a strong side and it will be a really hard game."

Wroxham boss Damian Hilton is refusing to get carried away with his side's encouraging start. They are without top scorer Ben Thompson for the visit of Woodbridge.

"It's good to see our name at the top of the table after several seasons," said Hilton. "At this stage it is no more than a confidence booster for the players."

Dereham travel to Leiston with Magpies boss Rob Taylor sweating on the fitness of defenders Andy Gleave and Ollie Willis.

Mid-table Kirkley look to bounce back from last week's humiliating 8-2 FA Cup drubbing against Mildenhall when high-flying Stanway visit Walmer Road. Needham Market face Wisbech at Fenland Park, while Diss entertain Halstead. King's Lynn Reserves have Luke Fell and Stephen Harvey available against Ipswich Wanderers at The Walks. Norwich United host Newmarket Town.

Yarmouth boss Kevin Rowark is looking a massive improvement at home to Hadleigh in Division One. Rowark apologised to the Bloaters' travelling support after last weekend's comprehensive 3-0 reverse at big-spending Swaffham.

"I think the team owes them a good display," he said. "The lads were very disappointed and will try to put things back on track. We all need to take a long hard look at ourselves. Parts of that game were what I consider to be not good enough for Yarmouth. I will ring the changes and we will get it right - all we need is a little fire in our bellies if we are to challenge for this league title."

Gorleston make the trip to Saffron Walden. Swaffham bid to continue their positive start at Stowmarket. Fakenham head to Tiptree buoyed by last week's superb FA Cup victory over Norwich United while Downham travel to Walsham-le-Willows.