Since joint managers Lyes and Dave Pinkowski took over the reins from Trevor Munns at the start of December, no fewer than 13 new players have been signed by the duo, while another 13 players have departed.

"Dave and I were keen to stamp our mark on the club as quickly as possible because the atmosphere was not great when we first arrived," said Lyes.

"Players have come and gone and it really has been a difficult period for the club. Consolidating our fourth place position would be a tremendous achievement under the circumstances."

And, looking ahead, Lyes is confident of success next season.
"We certainly have the players now to be able to mount a league title challenge next season," he said.

Town aim to stretch their unbeaten league run to six games with two home matches in the next four days.

Tomorrow, sixth-placed Haverhill Rovers are the visitors to Recreation Way (ko 3pm), before Hall entertain lowly Harwich & Parkeston on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).

Last time Rovers were in town, they dumped Hall out of the League Cup following an emphatic 5-1 triumph.

That game marked the end of John Taylor's short spell as caretaker manager, before Lyes and Pinkowski took over four days later against Lowestoft Town.

"Dave and I had as good as been appointed joint managers before the Haverhill game and we were both at the match to see what kind of a team we were about to inherit," said Lyes.

"On the night, Haverhill were by far the better side, but we are confident that we can produce a much improved display this time around."

Following a bruising 1-1 stalemate with Swaffham Town on Saturday – the in-form John Sands had given the visitors the lead – Hall could be without three influential players.

Defender Graham Rush (ankle), forward James Tatham (shoulder) and winger Paul Musgrove (groin) are all struggling while striker Owen Paynter will definitely miss tomorrow's fixture through suspension.

"Swaffham were certainly out to upset our rhythm and we are now suffering the consequences with a long injury list," said Lyes.

"But with the squad we have now, there is no reason why we cannot pick up six points from our next two games."

If Rush fails to prove his fitness, Carl Murkin will deputise after returning from holiday.