CHRIS LAKEY Lowestoft go into their day of destiny with a simple message: stay focused and the title is yours.

CHRIS LAKEY

Lowestoft go into their day of destiny with a simple message: stay focused and the title is yours.

The Blues are just one win away from wrapping up the Ridgeons League, Premier Division title and, while a draw against Needham Market this afternoon would most likely suffice, joint boss Mickey Chapman is demanding his table-toppers avoid any anxieties by taking all three points.

"At this point in time we have won nothing - but we are focused on getting three points from the game and if we do our jobs individually then collectively we will succeed," he said.

"Our message to the players is we've got to stay focused. Being top of the table is a great position to be in and we've worked very hard to get ourselves where we are.

"The title is in our own hands and we're just 90 minutes away from glory. We know what the reward is if we can produce again.

"But we'll remind the boys not to get carried away with all the hype and just to concentrate on the game itself."

Should Lowestoft slip up at Crown Meadow, they have Bury and champions AFC Sudbury breathing down their necks, just two points behind and with winnable games at home to Woodbridge and at Norwich United respectively.

One look at the table shows why Lowestoft are in such an advantageous position: their tally of 119 goals is the best in the division, giving them a goal difference of 77 - compared to 63 for Bury and 59 for Sudbury.

The Blues have won all but two of their home league games this season - a campaign which started with three defeats, the first of which was away to this afternoon's opponents.

Since then, it's been onwards and upwards.

"The boys have been fantastic all season and with another 90 minutes to go in the league season we know the reward if we can produce again," said Chapman.

"We're going into the game to win it - not approaching as if a draw will do. It will be an exciting Saturday for everyone - we're hoping for a huge crowd to roar us on as they've played a massive part in backing us."

Chapman has a full squad, apart from the suspended Dale Cockrill.

Should Lowestoft take the title it would be their first Eastern Counties success since the 1977-78 season.

Diss are at Cambridge City Reserves, Dereham entertain Newmarket, Wroxham travel to Midenhall and Wisbech are at home to Harwich & Parkeston.