JOHN Coventry is hopeful of bolstering his options ahead of East Thurrock United’s trip to Merstham.

Rocks have been hit by a number of injuries, leaving Coventry with a threadbare squad.

And the East Thurrock boss is confident that he will be able to sign a central midfielder and striker before visiting Surrey tomorrow.

Coventry said: “I am trying to bring one or two players into the squad before the weekend.

“I’m looking to sign a central midfielder and striker and I’m quietly confident that we will be able to do that before going to Merstham.

“Hopefully we will have a couple of different faces in the squad for the game because I want to strengthen my options.”

East Thurrock will make the trip to the Whisky Bible Stadium having suffered their first setback of the Isthmian Premier League campaign last time out.

After recording back-to-back wins against Cheshunt and Carshalton Athletic, Rocks were consigned to a 3-1 defeat by Potters Bar Town last weekend.

Although he is eager to return to form, Coventry is aware that Merstham - who have taken four points from their first three outings - will be difficult to beat.

“It will be a difficult place to go,” added Coventry.

“We were awful against Potters Bar last weekend, so I don’t think we can be that bad again.

“Merstham are a good side who did well last season and had a good home record.

“But we have made a good start to the season and we want to get back to winning ways at the first opportunity.”