NEW Leiston manager Danny Laws praised his players after their goalless draw against Lowestoft Town on Saturday.

Laws, who only took over at Victory Road a week ago on Saturday, saw his side hold their Suffolk rivals in his first home game.

He said: “I am never happy with a point, especially not at home, but I was really pleased with the response of my players, particularly after a few questions were asked at half-time.

“I take some blame for the way we set-up and how I asked them to play, but in the second-half they did everything I asked of them.

“We had the best chance of the game, even though they hit a post, but we provided far better opposition in the second-half.

“The attitude of the players, their togetherness, team spirit and commitment to this football club is tremendous.

“They are a fine group of players to work with, and that is the biggest positive I have found since I have been here.

“League positions don’t lie – Lowestoft have amassed more points than us and are challenging for the title along with Whitehawk, so you have to weigh these things up.”

Lowestoft Town joint manager Micky Chapman was happy to pick up a point.

He said: “It was a tough game. This has proved a difficult place for sides to come and get a result this season.

“They are a big, strong side and make it difficult for you, added to which it was a local derby.

“I thought we had the best opportunities to win the game – we had half a dozen chances compared to their one or two – but it just wouldn’t go in for us today.

“But we have always said if you get a point away from home and win your home games you will be okay.

“We have got a point and kept a clean sheet and will take the positives out of the performance.”

Chapman added he was hopeful that right-back Curtley Williams and striker Jack Defty, who both missed Saturday’s match through injury, will be fit for today’s derby against Bury Town at Crown Meadow, but Greg Crane will again be missing through suspension.