EAST Thurrock United are on the cusp of a ground-sharing deal with Isthmian North outfit Romford.

Rocks have stepped in to help Romford, who have been playing their games at Thurrock’s Ship Lane since 2012 as they continue to wait for developments regarding a ground of their own.

The sale of Thurrock at the end of the season meant Romford needed to find a new home to continue next year, and the National League South Rocks have stepped in.

An application is currently with Isthmian League officials and is expected to be approved this week, with a deadline of March 31 drawing closer.

And Rocks boss John Coventry is pleased to help Romford, who are currently bottom of the Isthmian North and facing a return to the Essex Senior League.

“Romford have been unfortunate over the years and have had to groundshare for a number of reasons,” said Coventry. “No one likes to see a club in the borough go under because they have nowhere to play.

“They are a good club and they are good people. I was asked to consider it and we are going to go for it. These situations can work. We will get on well and I am confident it will run smoothly.”

And Coventry added he has no concerns about the state of the Rookery Hill pitch with twice the amount of games to be played on it next season.

“You have a situation where they might get relegated but regardless of that we often don’t play on the pitch for long periods with not many midweek games. It is not as bad as people first think,” said Coventry.

Isthmian League chairman Nick Robinson added he was pleased at the developments.

“Subject to one clarification we should be granting permission very shortly,” he said. “We are happy that Romford are not going out of business.”

*Rocks were beaten 2-0 by Chippenham Town on Saturday as their inconsistent form showed no sign of abating.

Alex Ferguson and Josh Smile were on target either side of half-time to result in Rocks dropping points at home for the second time in a week, following a 2-2 draw with Poole Town.

Ferguson broke the deadlock just before the half hour mark before the game was put beyond Coventry’s charges with 64 minutes on the clock - Smile securing the points.

East Thurrock: Lidakevicius, Clark, Harris, Burns, Darling, Phipps (Agyemang 73), Yearwood (Smith 60), Cornhill, Higgins, Christou, Honesty (White 60)