THE PREVIEW: East Thurrock travel to division new boys Merstham hoping to emulate their fine showing against Leiston on Tuesday.

Rocks beat the leaders 4-0 thanks to a brace from Sam Higgins and Lewis Smith, a result that lifted them to 17th with games in hand on all the sides above them.

Their trip to Surrey is one of five away matches in their next six games, and could perhaps be viewed as their most favourable fixture.

Merstham sit 19th and have lost all but one of their six matches in front of their own supporters so far.

WHAT HE SAYS: Rocks boss John Coventry said: “It was a really good performance against Leiston after our FA Cup win. It was only a matter of time before we started to click and we are looking very good at the moment.

“Most people would fancy us as one of the sides to be up there around the play-offs at the end as we have a good squad.

“I have never played against Merstham before and I haven’t seen them this year but I know a lot about them and I know they play football the right way.

“They have struggled at home and let’s hope that continues when they play us.”

FORM GUIDE: WWLWL

TEAM NEWS: Kris Newby and Kye Ruel, inset, are both out injured, while defender Rickie Hayles is suspended. Sammy Knott is a doubt after making his return from injury on Tuesday.

Ashley Miller has impressed since joining and is likely to feature again tomorrow.