THURROCK manager Mark Stimson says he can’t wait to get started in tonight’s “massive” Ryman One North semi-final clash with AFC Hornchurch.

Fleet welcome the Urchins to Ship Lane, hoping to book a place in the final against either Harlow Town or Cray Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.

Both meetings between the two have been close this season, with Lewwis Spence’s 90th minute winner separating the sides in December before a goalless draw last month.

And Stimson is expecting another close encounter when Hornchurch visit this evening, as he aims to go one better than last year after losing in the play-off final to Brentwood Town.

“This is a massive game for us,” he said. “We need to try and play our football but we are playing a very good side in AFC Hornchurch.

"They were favourites at the start of the season, having been relegated from the Ryman Premier League last year, and have some good players. They have added Nicky Symons from Grays recently so they are a team we need to be wary of.

“If we play to our potential we can win the match. Both teams play very different styles of play and I hope it is a good match for everyone.

“We have Lewwis Spence and Charlie Stimson back which is excellent for us. We missed Lewwis for four months and Charlie for five because of injury and I thought they were out for the season so to have them back is great news.

“Lewwis has played a couple of 90 minutes for us and although Charlie hasn’t both will play a part in this game.”

Thurrock warmed up for the play-offs with a 2-0 victory over rivals Aveley on Saturday, for which Stimson rested a number of key players and Fleet will now return to Ship Lane for the semi-final, and a potential final date after finishing the regulation season as runners-up.

“The Aveley game was good,” he said. “I rested nine players for that match and the younger players showed what they can do which was encouraging.

“I don’t read too much into home or away advantage. We beat Harlow at their place last year in the semi-final so we are capable of winning anywhere although our pitch may suit us slightly better.”