RUNDOWN: East Thurrock United will look to hit back from an opening day defeat when they continue their National League South journey at Hemel Hempstead Town.

Rocks went down 1-0 against Hungerford Town on Saturday, although were in control for large periods of the match and missed a late penalty through Tom Wraight.

It was an even more sombering opening day for Hemel, who were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at Eastbourne Borough.

Rocks boss John Coventry has urged the fans to back the team as they continue their first even campaign at this level, while admitting they are learning every game.

So, what will they have learned by kick-off tonight?

MANAGER’S VIEW: Have you had more time to reflect on Saturday? Any final thoughts on that game?

John Coventry: We did well to start with but didn’t have that threat at the end. We missed the penalty opportunity and I spoke to their manager (Bobby Wilkinson) and he said it was a ‘smash and grab’.

I thought it was a draw all day to be honest, but there was not a lot between us, aside from the start where we were much better.

What are your views on Hemel Hempstead Town? Did you have them watched on Saturday? (A 3-0 defeat to Eastbourne Borough)

JC: We didn’t have them watched but we go there knowing it will be tough. Although they lost heavily I don’t know how much to read into that as I don’t know how good Eastbourne were.

But I am looking forward to it. There was a lot of excitement about this season but we must remember we have never been here before. Let’s get real and give it our best. It will be hard but we will learn every game.

What do you think the key is to getting a result in this match?

JC: We pass the ball very well but need that end product. But, with no disrespect to anyone else, the end product is in the stands with a hamstring injury (Sam Higgins) and we need to pick up as many points as we can before he returns in 3-5 weeks.

James Walker is an excellent target man and we need to support him better and we need a Plan B that we can put into effect more effectively that Saturday.

Will you be making any changes?

JC: There will be a few changes. The three at the back on Saturday was off the back of the Canvey performance (a 3-0 pre-season win). I learned more from playing that on Saturday than against Canvey, when we looked a million dollars.

BETTING ODDS: Hemel Hempstead Town 4/5, East Thurrock United 14/5 (Skybet)

TEAM NEWS: Sam Higgins is out but the rest of the squad is fit. Hemel have former Concord Rangers attacker Lewis Taaffe in their ranks.