THE PREVIEW: East Thurrock United return to league action this weekend after a busy cup schedule saw them fall behind in the league.

Four of Rocks’ last seven matches have been cup matches, including Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Merthyr Town in the FA Trophy on Tuesday, with the next two following tomorrow’s clash with Lewes also cup encounters.

East Thurrock are in 11th place in the league, having beaten Farnborough 4-1 in their last outing. The win took John Coventry’s men up to second in the scoring charts in the league, with only leaders Dulwich Hamlet topping their 43 strikes so far this season.

That tally could be set to increase tomorrow, with the return of striker Sam Higgins, and considering they are facing the leakiest defence in the league (49 conceded in 22 games).

WHAT HE SAYS: Rocks boss John Coventry said: “The injury situation is horrendous. We lost Tom Wraight at half-time on and Lewis Smith’s back went into spasm as well so we have lost him for up to a month as well.

“Sam Higgins, Kye Ruel and Kris Newby have only just returned from long-term injuries but I have no choice but to play them as we are so short.

“But we have only lost one of the last 11 matches which is an incredible achievement all things considered.”

FORM GUIDE: WDWDLW

TEAM NEWS: As well as the aforementioned, Ryan Scott and James Walker also miss out, although Ady Yusuff returns, having been cup-tied for the Merthyr Town matches, as does Sammy Knott. Tom Wraight, left, is rated 50/50.