AS Lowestoft Town prepare for another 'massive game' tomorrow in the last 32 of the national FA Vase competition, moves to step up the footballing pyramid in the future have been made off the field.

AS Lowestoft Town prepare for another 'massive game' tomorrow in the last 32 of the national FA Vase competition, moves to step up the footballing pyramid in the future have been made off the field.

The Journal can today reveal that The Blues are one of four Ridgeons League clubs - along with Leiston, Needham Market and Tiptree United - who have applied to move into Step 4 football for next season.

These clubs all submitted their applications before the December 31 deadline, and now the promotion push is set to take on extra prominence during the rest of the season.

Only teams who finish in the top two will be considered for advancement, and with 14 level five leagues feeding into six level four leagues the opportunity to progress is limited - with one club maximum from the Ridgeons League likely to be invited to move into the Southern League.

And while Lowestoft appear keen to make advancements up the ladder, much could now depend on which side finishes top of the table come the end of the season.

But for now the main focus of attention for The Blues management team is tomorrow's Crown Meadow clash with Witney United.

And with both sides striving to reach the last 16, Micky Chapman's men are 'expecting a tough game' against a side who are currently third in the Hellenic League Premier Division

Joint fourth favourites to lift the Vase - according to Skybet - at 14-1, The Blues trained hard in sessions run this week by former Norwich City favourites Craig Fleming and Dave Carolan.

And with Witney coming in at 20-1 - behind The Blues and joint favourites Leiston and last season's winners AFC Fylde - a top-class match looks set to attract a large crowd tomorrow.

Calling on the Trawler Boys to back The Blues once more in their quest to make it to the last 16 again, joint boss Micky Chapman yesterday told The Journal: 'I can assure the fans that we are looking forward to the challenge. 'We will be picking from a very strong squad, so we hope that the fans will come out and get behind us as the lads do their best as a unit.

And with a roaring battle-cry ringing in the ears of the Blues players as they step on the pitch come 3pm tomorrow, Chapman told The Journal: 'We'll tell the players to believe in what we have got, and to go out there and give it everything you've got as we aim to stay in the cup.'

Over the Bascule Bridge, Kirkley and Pakefield - after a fine 2-1 midweek away win at King's Lynn Reserves - will be in action again tomorrow away at the Jam Makers of Tiptree.

Ryan de Coteau is likely to return to the squad tomorrow, and next Wednesday K&P will be in action once more as Woodbridge visit Walmer Road, 7.45pm kick off.