Lowestoft Town director of football Craig Fleming insists the Blues' destiny is in their own hands ahead of their trip to Oxford City.
Despite the Blues sitting fairly comfortably in mid-table Fleming knows there can be no let-up in the pursuit of points to consolidate their position in the Conference North.
The Trawlerboys sit seven points outside of the bottom three although all of the teams below them have played less matches so far this campaign.
Lowestoft could go a long way to preserving their Conference status if they can pick points up against Oxford before taking on Bradford Park Avenue and Stalybridge – two sides fighting for their lives at the bottom end of the table.
'It is more in your hands when you've got to play the teams around you,' said Fleming.
'It's a really tough league this though and there isn't really any point in looking at the league table before games – everyone beats everyone as has been shown in the past.
'But we've just got to make sure that we're right – that's all we can take care of.'
Preparing for away games has been one of the most difficult challenges for the Blues this season as demonstrated by their results on the road.
Lowestoft did finally manage to get their first win away from home at Brackley last month only to slip back into bad habits and produce a tepid performance against Gloucester.
Fleming believes his side have improved on their travels this term and has some sympathy for his players in the way they have to get ready for games.
'When I have got my footballer head on I think how difficult it is for the lads,' said the former Norwich City defender.
'We are sat on a coach for four, five, six hours after getting up at the crack of dawn having worked all week.
'You can't always expect us to put in the kind of performance we get at home. It is incredibly difficult to prepare for a game like that.
'Whilst we really want to improve you have got to show the lads a bit of respect that it is hard for them.'
Lee Smith, inset, starts the first of his three-match ban this afternoon following his sending-off against Gloucester for a two-footed tackle.
Dan Gleeson is available as his suspension for his red card against Colwyn Bay doesn't take effect until next weekend.
Adam Smith is making good progress from a hamstring injury but is unlikely to be available whilst Chris Henderson remains sidelined with a persistent groin problem.
Today's match is the fourth meeting between the two clubs but the first at City's Marsh Lane home.
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