GARY Ansell says Great Wakering Rovers will have to play much better against VCD Athletic tonight than they did in their weekend victory if they are to take something from the game.

Rovers recorded an overdue win on Saturday as two late goals from substitutes Leon Gordon and Charlie Barlow saw off Thamesmead Town 2-1 in the Ryman North.

Although Ansell admitted his team were lucky to pick up maximum points in the encounter.

And he said a better performance was expected and would be required this evening at Burroughs Park.

“We looked dead and buried after 70 minutes,” said Ansell. “We have played well and got nothing and played very well and got nothing in a number of games this season but we didn’t deserve to win on Saturday.

“Our passing was off and we didn’t create but the changes made a difference.

"It came as a bit of a shock but it’s swings and roundabouts. We will take it.

“I must give credit to the boys as we stuck in there when we were struggling.

"They grafted well and maybe lady luck is turning our way at last."

After a rotten start to the season, Kent-side VCD Athletic's form has picked up in recent weeks, with former Rovers man Kris Newby a key man for tonight's visiting team.

And Ansell admits he is concerned at the strength in depth to VCD’s squad.

“VCD worry me a bit,” he said. “They have a number of good players and a hefty budget and it will be tough but we seem to do better against the bigger sides.

"They have picked up of late and we need a bit of luck.”

Ansell confirmed young goalkeeper Charlie Huntley would continue between the posts in the absence of Matt Belcher.

Bowers & Pitsea take on Romford at the Len Salmon Stadium looking to build on their excellent start to the season.

Rob Small’s team occupy fourth-place ahead of kick-off, but the Bowers chief will be confident ahead of this encounter with Romford down in 17th.

However, the visitors have picked up in recent times and are unbeaten in their last three matches.

Bowers & Pitsea will once again be without key striker Brad Warner, as he struggles to shake off a troublesome hamstring injury he sustained a week ago.

Vinny Durrant, another big player for Small, will also miss out as he continues his return from injury.

And Jamie Salmon will not feature as he battles with a calf injury.