l RUNDOWN: East Thurrock United continue their bid to secure National League South status against play-off hunting Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Both promoted from the Ryman Premier League last season, Hampton have enjoyed a better start to 2017 than John Coventry’s men, and are currently unbeaten in their six games to date (drawing four).

It is the start of a run of three home matches in eight days for East Thurrock, with Coventry eyeing up nine more points in their bid to remain in the division next term.

The reverse fixture was a 2-1 win for Rocks, their first ever triumph at the second tier of non-league football.

l MANAGER’S VIEW: Rocks manager John Coventry said: “It has been the same story recently in terms of patching up a team although things are looking slightly better.

“I get on very well with their management team (Alan Dowson and Martin Tyler) and I will have a beer after the game with them.

“The pitch will depend on the weather. At the moment it is ready and it is firmer than it has been. I don’t want to look far ahead but I would love three points.”

l TEAM NEWS: Kye Ruel returns, Simon Peddie is back from dual registration at Tilbury, Ben Marlow is injured, Dagenham & Redbridge loanee Scott Herd is available, Michael Clark could be in the Leyton Orient squad.