THE MATCH: East Thurrock United return to National League South football by making the trip to Eastbourne Borough.

Rocks were eliminated from the FA Cup in midweek, having held National League powerhouses Ebbsfleet United to a goalless draw at the FutureFuel Stadium last weekend.

But Ebbsfleet scored three unanswered goals in the fourth qualifying round replay to deny John Coventry’s charges a first round tie with League One side Doncaster Rovers.

East Thurrock have been in impressive form this term and currently occupy a play-off place.

Rocks have only tasted one defeat in the National League South this term, with that coming against high-flying Truro City.

However, two consecutive league draws have followed - against St Albans City and Hungerford Town - and Coventry’s side will be aiming to get back to winning ways.

Eastbourne will prove to be a tough side to beat, as they are just five points adrift of Rocks.

THE INSIGHT: “It’s important that we put the FA Cup run behind us now and concentrate on the league,” said Coventry.

“We missed our opportunity to go through in the competition in the initial tie against Ebbsfleet last Saturday.

“Everyone worked extremely hard on Tuesday, but we weren’t as good as we were on Saturday.

“But we will turn our attentions to the league again this weekend and Eastbourne Borough.”

THE TEAM NEWS: Coventry has described his squad as being ‘very thin’.