HAVING defied the odds in many ways with a patched-up squad last weekend, Mark Bower hopes to have a few more bodies back on board at Lowestoft Town on Saturday.

On the back of a morale-boosting 3-1 home win over Brackley Town, achieved when his squad were down to the bare bones, the Lions boss said: "We have Danny Boshell available this week after his suspension has finished, while we also have Jack Stockdill back from his loan spell at Ossett Town."

With Liam Dickinson still suspended, Ben Parker needing a scan on his ankle and Gavin Rothery not yet ready to come back, Bower employed former Farsley loanee Luke Porritt against Brackley after Alex Johnson came off in the 69th minute.

Bower said: "Brackley's right back was having some joy upfield and Luke came on and did well in restricting him, and also showed some neat touches when he was on the ball, including almost setting up Adam Boyes for a goal.

"Dave Currie, Danny Ellis and Colin Seal are doing a good job with the Academy, and Ben Whitfield and Jacob Brown have already gone on from there to play full time with Football League clubs, and when the professionals are sniffing around, you know that you must be doing something right.

"We have also signed up Josh Snowden, Jack Brooks and Aaron Fell from our Academy, and when the Academy lads have trained with the first team they haven't looked out of place."

Third-placed Guiseley face a 424-mile round trip to Lowestoft this weekend, so they are taking no chances and travelling on Friday night.

Bower explained: "Other teams from around our area travel to Lowestoft the day before and it means our preparation will be right.

"What we don't want to happen is for us to go down Saturday morning on what are mostly A-roads and be held up."

Because of North Ferriby United's involvement in the FA Trophy final against Wrexham on Sunday week, Guiseley have no game after Lowestoft until Chorley away on Tuesday, March 31.

"The break has come at a good time," said Bower, "as it will give us a chance to get more players fit, and it also comes before we face three games in eight days during and after Easter."