Lowestoft Town assistant boss Dale Brooks feels playing 'man's football' could be the making of Norwich City goalkeeper Ben Killip.

The Canaries' loanee has made an instant impression with the Trawlerboys, playing a key role in helping the club turn their fortunes around in recent weeks.

Killip made several excellent stops as Lowestoft got their first win in six attempts at Gloucester last weekend and Brooks believes the youngster is benefiting from his experiences with the Blues.

'Ben looks like he is coming along really well with us,' said Brooks ahead of the Blues' home clash with Stockport County this afternoon.

'Norwich City have got a great tradition in producing first class goalkeepers. Ben knows that this is a great opportunity for him – it's a shop window for him to show what he can do.

'He has been playing development football and, whilst lads are desperate to win, no one is going to lose their job if you don't win a match.

'Playing for Lowestoft is a completely different level of responsibility and playing man's football is doing him good.

'It's about winning games of football because people's jobs are on the line.'

Whilst Killip kept the back door shut, Lowestoft were able to finally garner victory courtesy of Jake Reed's, inset, fine finish last weekend.

The former Dagenham & Redbridge hitman's downturn in form has coincided with the Blues' slide down the division.

However, Reed's work-rate has never slowed and he got his reward with the only goal of the game at Gloucester as Lowestoft grabbed their first win in six games.

'He's been unfortunate in recent weeks but he's kept plugging away and got his reward,' said Brooks.

'With us playing one up front a lot is asked of him and he works the line terrifically well for us. He's not had much luck in front of goal recently and as a striker he feeds off goals. That goal will do him the power of good and I'm really pleased for him.'

Brooks arrived at Crown Meadow amid the upheaval that also saw first team player/coach Dan Gleeson leave the club last month.

Gallagher had been looking for a trusted side-kick since Micky Chapman's departure in the summer and former Southend Under-21s coach, Brooks, looks to fit the bill. Whilst results didn't improve immediately upon his arrival, four points from their last two games indicates something of an upturn and Brooks is certain the Trawlerboys can continue climbing the table.

'I knew a lot of the lads before I came here so I know they are from very good footballing stock,' said Brooks.

'I'm really enjoying it – the lads are giving their all and if they continue to do that we will be fine.'