THE PREVIEW: East Thurrock continued to set the Ryman Premier League alight with a 5-2 win at Harrow Borough in the week, and they welcome Merstham to Rookery Hill tomorrow.

Rocks are the team to beat, having taken 29 points from the last 33 on offer, with Sam Higgins making it two hat-tricks in his last three games last time out.

Rocks are joint-top with Dulwich Hamlet and will be strong favourites to continue their recent form against Merstham.

The Surrey outfit, promoted from the Ryman One South via the play-offs last season, are 17th in the standings and 14 points clear from the drop zone, which should see them safe from the drop.

They have impressed in recent matches, hitting five past Staines and three past Farnborough, although they were beaten by Brentwood in their last outing.

WHAT HE SAYS: Rocks boss John Coventry said: “We played very well against Harrow but we need to make sure we don’t switch off. We haven’t had to come from behind for a while and it is important we don’t lose focus.

“I am viewing the season in blocks of three games. I believe if you average two points a game that should be enough to get you a play-off spot. We won the last three so are ahead of schedule but we need to keep focus against Merstham.

“They may not be safe from relegation trouble yet so we need to be ready.”

FORM GUIDE: WWWDWW

TEAM NEWS: Kris Newby returns from a loan spell at Great Wakering, Simon Peddie and Sammy Knott may return.