LOOKING AHEAD: It’s been a difficult start to the National League South season for East Thurrock United and it will not get any easier with a trip to Welling United.

Rocks picked up back-to-back home wins before three goals in the final five minutes saw John Coventry’s side suffer late heartbreak against St Albans City last weekend.

One positive to come from the game was captain Sam Higgins bagging his first goal of the season.

But East Thurrock were handed a wake-up call when they fell to a 3-0 defeat to Isthmian North strugglers Tilbury in a friendly on Tuesday night.

A much-improved display will be needed if Rocks are to take any points from Welling, who are currently in the play-off places and have suffered just one defeat at home.

MANAGER’S VIEW: “It will be very difficult at Welling,” said Coventry. “They are all hard for us at the moment but Welling are a good side. Steve King has gone in and put together a very good squad and it will be hard for us.

“The Tilbury game was good for us as it made me realise how much work there is to do. We don’t have a squad fit for this level so there will be changes, hopefully a couple before tomorrow.

“I know we are not good enough and I have tried to change it with loans and fresh faces and that hasn’t been the answer. The answer is to have older heads who are experienced at this level. I am attempting to get certain people in that will improve that.”

TEAM NEWS: Coventry may look to make changes to his side after the late defeat to St Albans and thumping friendly loss to Tilbury.