Ricci Butler admits relegation worries are growing at Emerald Park – but insists his Gorleston side are in positive mood.

Butler's men have gone nine games without a win and are now just four points above the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division drop zone after a 6-0 thumping at Mildenhall last weekend.

'I'd look silly to say it's not a possibility, we're bottom of the form table,' the former Great Yarmouth Town boss said.

'We're lacking experience and clubs are capitalising on that. It's a results game so it's disappointing but we're optimistic we'll come back stronger.'

The 28-year-old admitted that he has made tactical errors this season but insists the Greens are in a transitional period and firmly headed in the right direction.

'As a club we've made massive strides this season, we're all young and still improving,' Butler added. 'The most important thing is to work hard in training and get a result on Saturday.'

Gorleston host seventh-placed Brantham Athletic this afternoon and Butler wants to see a response from his players following their poor result against Mildenhall.

'The manner of that defeat was a real kick in the teeth,' he added. 'I've discussed the game with the lads and we're working really hard to make sure our heads don't drop. Just one or two wins could be enough to ensure that we avoid relegation.'

Elsewhere, fellow relegation battlers Swaffham Town and Thetford Town host Stanway Rovers and Hadleigh United respectively.

Swaffham have now lost five on the bounce in a tough run of games which has left them just a point clear of trouble. They are sure to face a tough challenge against a Stanway side still trying to keep pressure on leaders Norwich United.

Thetford, still striving for consistency under Danny White, can move out of the relegation zone and above Swaffham if they beat 12th-placed Hadleigh.

Meanwhile, in-form Kirkley & Pakefield will look to stretch their four-game winning streak when they travel to Ipswich Wanderers, who lost 3-1 at table toppers Norwich United in midweek.

The defending champions are now nine points clear at the top, with a game in hand, and are heavy favourites to win today when they welcome bottom-of-the-table Whitton United to Plantation Park.

In the First Division, Great Yarmouth go in search of their seven successive victory when they travel to lowly Stowmarket Town.

The Bloaters are eight points clear of fourth-placed Halstead now, with a game in hand, and look well on their way to promotion.

Diss are at home to league leaders Wivenhoe Town and fifth-placed King's Lynn Town Reserves host Haverhill Borough.

At the foot of the table Dereham Town Reserves make the trip to Essex-based Halstead Town and Downham Town welcome AFC Sudbury Reserves.