EAST Thurrock United boss John Coventry hopes being far more familiar with a new look Margate team can help Rocks triumph in tonight’s FA Trophy third qualifying round replay.

The two teams drew 1-1 in Kent at the weekend.

But Coventry hopes the first meeting will enable East Thurrock to triumph at the FutureFuel Stadium this evening.

“It was a difficult situation for us on Saturday as there had been a lot of changes for Margate with a number of players leaving and being signed,” said Coventry.

“There was a lot of talk about budgets disappearing and things like that but the bottom line was I went to watch them against Eastbourne Borough on the Tuesday and by the time Saturday came around eight of those players weren’t in the starting line-up.

“It was tough for them too but the players coming in will have been keen to show what they could do at that level.

“But we have more of an idea about them now and hopefully that can help us win the game tonight because it would be nice to have a good run in the Trophy this season.”

The winners of this evening’s tie - between two teams in National South - will host National League side Aldershot Town in the next round.

However, Coventry is refusing to think beyond Rocks’ rematch with Margate.

“Of course you look at the draw and it’s a nice one to get but there’s no point in thinking about it at the moment,” said Coventry.

“We’re focusing on Margate and will only think about Aldershot if we get through.”

East Thurrock, who have not lost in 10 games, also have Teddy Nesbitt back in the starting line-up tonight after he was recalled from his dual registration deal at Billericay Town.