Lowestoft Town will be without star striker Jake Reed for this afternoon's trip to FC United.

The former Dagenham & Redbridge hitman injured his ankle in training this week and won't make the trip to Broadhurst Park.The full extent of the problem isn't yet known although manager Ady Gallagher, inset, admits the absence of his top goalscorer is a major headache whilst Chris Henderson is also out with an ankle injury as well.

'Jake is obviously a massive loss to us – we are just hoping that it won't keep him out for too long but he is definitely out for this weekend,' said Gallagher.

'Hendo has picked up a problem as well so it creates a bit of a problem when you're running with such a small squad.'

The good news for Lowestoft is that Danny Crow has shrugged off a knee problem and could start this afternoon as the Trawlerboys taste National League North action for the first time since January 2 when they lost at Boston United.

On top of that Harvey Hodd is available to start after extending his loan deal from League One outfit Fleetwood.

However, the enforced break hasn't refreshed the squad in the way Gallagher wanted and resources are stretched.

'It's difficult when you pick up injuries,' he added.

'It's been well documented that we had to drastically reduce the budget in the summer and as a result we have a smaller squad. When you pick up injuries it makes it very difficult.'

Gallagher isn't complaining about the club's plight – he knew the deal when taking over the sole reins in the summer as manager.

The Blues chief has no wish to see the club risk its long-term future by spending money it hasn't got. However, Lowestoft are at a disadvantage to other clubs when it comes to travel.

'We are not in a position where we can afford overnight stays – we haven't got a millionaire backer who can throw money at these situations,' he said. 'The club has had its difficulties financially in the past and we don't want to repeat them. But for the goodwill of the chairman and a few others we are still in a financially stable situation – we cut our cloth accordingly.'

With FC United just below Lowestoft in the table, three points in the north-west would go a long way to alleviating fears the Blues will be sucked into a relegation fight between now and the end of the season.

'We know that on our day we are more than a match for any team in this division,' said Gallagher, who is keen to avenge the 3-0 loss to United at Crown Meadow back in September.

'We will endeavour to keep the club at this level to have another crack at it next year.'

n Lowestoft striker Bradley Woods-Garness has agreed a one-month loan deal with Ryman League outfit Tonbridge Angels.