LOWESTOFT Town joint boss Ady Gallagher admits the Blues may rest players for this weekend's clash against Billericay to keep the squad fresh for their play-off semi-final next Wednesday.

The Trawlerboys' 2-0 win against Cray Wanderers on Tuesday night kept alive hopes of securing the runners-up spot and the home advantage it would gurarantee in any potential play-off final.

But Gallagher said the club must prioritise the play-off semi-final tie, although he insisted the XI they choose for tomorrow's match against the champions will be expected to collect all three points.

'The main thing for us now is obviously the play-offs,' said Gallagher, whose side must better Hornchurch's result if they are to snatch second place from the Essex outfit. 'We're not even concentrating on whether we finish second or third – it's out of our hands. If Hornchurch take care of business at the weekend (against Leatherhead) then they will finish second.

'At the end of the day whoever we face is going to be very tough. The most important thing from our point of view is that we have a full squad to choose from. Next Wednesday has to be our main focus.

'The play-offs are going to be very tough games and we need our players in the best possible condition for that. The lads have got to be physically and mentally prepared.

'What I will say is whatever team we put out will be full of quality and expected to go there and win. Whoever is playing will want to make sure they are in the team for the play-offs – there's always something at stake.'

The trip to Billericay will provide ideal preparation for the Blues with their hosts proving themselves to be the most consistent side over the course of the season.

'Fair play to Billericay – they have been the most consistent team in the league this season as shown by them becoming champions,' added Gallagher.

'They might not be the best team in terms of optimum performance, but they have produced results week in week out and for that reason they deserve to win the title.

'But it will be good preparation for us as well with the tests we have got ahead.'