ON-FORM East Thurrock United midfielder Ben Marlow says he is a relishing a clash with Eastbourne Borough over the busy Bank Holiday weekend.

Rocks return to action at the FutureFuel Stadium tomorrow against the south coast outfit looking to continue their promising start to the campaign, following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Bath City.

Marlow, 20, has played a key part in that start, with three goals to date. Two of those have come from the penalty spot, following Tom Wraight’s opening day spot kick failure and recent injury.

And he said he was pleased to step up and take over the responsibility.

“I am pleased with the start,” he said. “Personally, I have been doing Ok and I am enjoying it but it is all about the team here.

“It is a good bunch and they can play and work for each other and that is why we are doing well.

“I share lifts with Tom and I was giving him stick in the car after that miss, so it was lucky I scored,” laughed Marlow.

“I had volunteered to take them before the start of the season but Tom got the nod. I am just pleased to be able to help the team.”

This busy weekend represents a tough ask on the players, with two matches in 48 hours, but Marlow says this is why he plays the game.

Bath took a 2-0 lead in the first-half, with Naby Diallo firing them ahead after just three minutes with a thunderbolt.

Marvin Morgan made it 2-0 five minutes before half-time and despite a spell of prolonged pressure it wasn’t until the final minutes that Reece Harris scored a consolation.

“I believe with what we have and the work ethic we can upset a few sides and prove,” he said.

“Every game is tough but we like that. We try not to focus on the other teams and look at what we are doing.

“I worked really hard in pre-season and going up a league is important. I kept fit and box-to-box is my game. If you aren’t fit you can’t.

“I want to play and this exciting. We are young and looking forward to it. If you aren’t looking forward to it then there is something wrong.”