Lowestoft Town boss Ady Gallagher admits his side are not out of the woods just yet despite watching them pull away from the relegation zone during the festive period.

Four wins out of five in December has relieved some of the pressure building on the Blues' boss but, after defeat to Boston last weekend, the Trawlerboys remain just four points outside the bottom three having played a game more than most sides.

The Blues entertain Worcester City this afternoon, who are also in the mire, just a point behind Gallagher's men having played two games fewer.

'We've had a really good November and December where we've achieved a good consistency of performance,' said Gallagher, who picked up the National League North manager of the month award for December.

'We've picked up good results home and away when we really needed the points and we've got ourselves in a healthier position but we are by no means out of trouble. We've got to continue what we've been doing – this league will give you a kick up the backside if you let your standards drop at all.'

Worcester can count upon Football League experience in their ranks in the form of Deon Burton and Lee Hughes and with City so close to the Blues in the table this could turn out to be a six-pointer.

'They are only a point below us in the table so it's a really big game for us. They've got a lot of experience so we know we're going to be up against tough opposition,' said Gallagher.

'But it's going to be about what we do – we feel if we can maintain the form we've shown then we can keep climbing the table.'

Shorn of several first team regulars due to the scheduling of the fixture, Lowestoft went down to a 3-1 defeat in the FA Trophy to Sutton United on Monday.

However, it did give Chris Henderson the chance of some game time and he notched the Blues' equaliser. Gallagher admits the forward has had to bide his time this season due to injury and the form of his team-mates in recent weeks.

'Chris has just got to bide his time and take his opportunities,' added Gallagher.

'The team has been playing very well in recent weeks. I understand his frustrations. If he was playing very well in the team though he would expect loyalty towards his place and he would get it. For the moment, the lads are playing very well but his opportunity will come.'

Henderson is nursing a minor knock along with Bradley Woods-Garness and both are expected to start on the bench this afternoon.

Jack Marsden is struggling with an ankle problem whilst Danny Crow could return after a knee strain.