Lowestoft off to Wembley

LOWESTOFT Town will be taking steps along a different route to Wembley this afternoon as they head to the capital for the FA Trophy.

The Blues will actually be playing at Wembley FC, temporary home of opponents Hendon, as they aim to continue their stunning cup exploits this season.

They are currently just 90 minutes away from the first round proper of the FA Cup after winning their third qualifying round replay 2-1 at Sutton Coldfield on Monday night thanks to a Matt Nolan double.

Now they switch their sights to the FA Trophy against a side who play in a division higher than themselves.

And joint manager Micky Chapman says they are intent on a starring role in another cup competition.

“We had a look at them in their FA Cup replay against Ashford Town (Middx) on Tuesday and we felt it would be a good opportunity to have a look at them and see what they have got and get some info on them,” he said.

“It was a worthwhile trip so we've done our work on them and we want to give ourselves every opportunity to come away from there with a result.

“But we're under no illusions - it's going to be a really tough game.”

The Greens currently sit in 16th position in the Ryman League Premier Division and came through their dramatic cup replay 9-8 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

But Chapman believes his side can pull off a shock in the first qualifying round of the competition.

“They're a good side, and we've just got to make sure we approach the game in the right way and we put in another shift and make sure we give ourselves every opportunity to get through,” he said.

The Blues are likely to be without a handful of players for today's game. Richard Woodrow, Reece Hunn, Carl Poppy and Scott Mitchell are all extremely doubtful, while long-term injury victims Bradley Hough and Jack Marsden are still out.

The Blues will also assess the fitness of new signing Gary Holt who came off at half-time on Monday with a shin injury.