East Thurrock United manager John Coventry is expecting a very different match against Braintree Town when they visit The FutureFuel Stadium tonight.

A Michael Cheek hat-trick helped The Iron beat Rocks 5-2 in the FA Trophy in January.

However, Braintree have since suffered relegation to the National League South and lost a number of key players, including Cheek.

The two occupy fourth and fifth place in the division after securing two wins and a draw in their first three matches.

And Coventry says he is as prepared as time has allowed for their visit.

“If everybody is available that I expect to be available, we will only have about 14 players,” he said.

“We were beaten by Braintree in the FA Trophy but this is totally different. They are a different team in a different league and we will try to win the game.

“We were poor that day but things will not be the same as they were that day.

“I haven’t scouted Braintree yet as I haven’t had the chance. They have played every time we have played so it has been difficult.

“But I know (Iron manager) Bradley Quinton will have them well organised. I know him from his time at Enfield Town and they have brought some players across so we will know a bit about them too.

“But, in the main, I think we will know as much about them as they know about us.”

Victory tonight would signal Rocks’ joint-best start to a league season in seven years.

And Coventry said he was really pleased with Saturday’s 3-2 win at Poole Town, which was East Thurrock’s second consecutive away win at the start of term.

“I was so pleased,” said Coventry.

“The journey back was great and the team is in high spirits, although we didn’t start well.

“We were all over the place in the first 10 minutes but, after that, we were superb. People were filling in for each other and everyone was working hard. They knew we were light and it was a real spirited team performance.

“To take seven points from nine at the start of the season is really positive,” he added.

“It is better than the start of last season (four points from three games) and I am pleased with that.”

Rocks are facing more injury woes ahead of tonight.

James White was taken off with a leg injury 25 minutes into Saturday’s win and is considered a doubt for tomorrow.

Midfielder Max Cornhill and striker Femi Akinwande are ruled out, while Ben Marlow is doubtful.