NON LEAGUE: EAST Thurrock have a striker crisis ahead of today’s trip to Canvey after Hakeem Araba’s decision to join big-spending Whitehawk, writes James Colasanti.

Rocks manager John Coventry has moved quickly to bring in cover from Evo-Stik Premier side Worksop in the shape of Lheureux Menga.

And with top scorer Sam Higgins still out injured, Coventry says he will have to chuck Menga in straight away today at the Prospects Stadium.

Coventry said: “Whitehawk put in a seven-day approach for Hakeem after we played them a couple of weeks ago.

“I was disappointed with his decision to go because I had an agreement in place with him.

“And with Higgins out, it could not have come at a worse time for us.

“But I’ve managed to get Lheureux Menga in from Worksop. “He’s big and strong and can hold the ball up well, and I’ll have to chuck him straight in against Canvey.”

Araba has scored seven goals for Rocks this season, three behind Higgins, who it is hoped will be able to start light training again in 10 days as he continues to recover from a hamstring tear.