THE PREVIEW: East Thurrock begin their away games at neighbours Brentwood. Just a 30 minute drive away, Rocks will be thankful for the short trip and confident of taking their first three points of the campaign.

Only promoted last season, Brentwood lost 2-1 against Wingate & Finchley on the opening day with manager Dean Holdsworth citing holidays and suspensions as a factor in the loss.

They will be looking for a strong start at home, having won 5-0 at the Brentwood Centre Arena in the play-off final last time out.

LAST RESULT: Drew 1-1 at home to Billericay Town.

WHAT HE SAYS: East Thurrock United boss John Coventry said: “Brentwood had a brilliant season last year but have already said themselves they are favourites to go down,” he said. “But they gave a good account of themselves at the weekend so if we go there and play our game we can win.

“We need to be winning this kind of game if we want to achieve what we want to this year and I have a squad good enough to do that. We go there aiming to win and I am confident we will do that.

TEAM NEWS: Lethal striker Sam Higgins was substituted at the weekend after he sustained a knock before scoring from the penalty spot. He will be assessed, as will midfielder Kye Ruel, although the rest of the squad is expected to be the unchanged.