Lowestoft joint boss Micky Chapman warns FA Vase places are on the line in today's Ridgeons Premier Division Crown Meadow derby against Kirkley and Pakefield.

Lowestoft joint boss Micky Chapman warns FA Vase places are on the line in today's Ridgeons Premier Division Crown Meadow derby against Kirkley and Pakefield.

The Blues were dumped out of the Suffolk Premier Cup in midweek after shipping five at home to Stanway in the league.

Chapman issued a final warning ahead of the club's historic FA Vase semi final doubler header against Whitley Bay with a Wembley place at stake.

“The players need to realise they are playing for places for next week's Vase tie,” he said. “They've let themselves down, and that's not acceptable. Local pride and three points are at stake - there are no trophies to be won - but we want to get a result. We've got to be sensible as the following week it's the biggest game in the club's history and we want players fighting for their places.

“It's a local derby, our fans want to see us win, and they want us to bounce back. Our players want to rise to that challenge. We've got the quality and we are capable of getting back on track. We want to win, make no doubt about that.”

Chapman is promising a much improved display against their neighbours.

“Kirkley and Pakefield have had a great season in the league and are above us - it's a local derby and we'll make sure we are up for it,” he said. “Ady and I will have to pick the right side, while thinking about next week as well. We've a few niggling injuries and we have to be thinking about certain players, as if there are any doubts then we need to be equally prepared for next week as well. There are a lot of players itching to play though and we're determined to be up for the challenge.”

Kirkley and Pakefield welcome back Max Blowers after he was cup tied for their midweek Suffolk Premier exit. Bodie Carter is suspended.

Dereham face inform Soham Town who hammered reigning champions Wroxham 4-0 in midweek. Caretaker boss Adam Gusterson has a full squad available with Cedric Anselin back. Magpies' officials are poised to unveil their new manager next week.

Needham Market could hand Mark Heath-Preston a debut against Swaffham after his switch from King's Lynn. Gary Setchell and Stuart King are in the Pedlars squad. Anthony Reeve and Aaron Butcher miss out.

Downham's Mikey Thompson (knee) is a doubt for Clacton's Division One visit to the Memorial Field. James Goude and Jack Webber should be available. Injured keeper Jamie Gollands is poised to miss the rest of the season.

Fakenham duo Kieran Bacon and the suspended Matty Garrod miss out for the Ghosts' home game against Saffron Walden.