LOOKING AHEAD: It does not get any easier for East Thurrock United as they bid to arrest their early season slump against Wealdstone.

Rocks are sitting third from bottom in the National League South having lost eight of their 10 league matches to date.

A 3-2 reverse against lower-ranked Whitehawk in the FA Cup last time out would have done nothing to improve morale in the camp.

Manager John Coventry said earlier in the week that he was enduring one of his most difficult spells in charge at the club, although victory against the Stones would be a much needed shot in the arm.

Last season’s FA Trophy semi-finalists sit 11th ahead of kick-off with four victories from their 10 games.

A narrow win in the FA Cup against Great Wakering Rovers was far from convincing.

Rocks will be hoping to capitalise on that.

THE MANAGER’S VIEW: “Wealdstone are a very good side and will definitely be up there come the end of the season,” said Coventry. “It’s a tough challenge for us.

“Bobby (Wilkinson) has put together a good group and they will expect to challenge.

“I need to make changes to the squad. People keep asking me whether I regret making the changes at the end of last season. I don’t but it has brought to my attention financially replacing them has been hard. You bring in players you can afford and you only need to look at the results to see that’s not working.

“But the revolving door is not the answer.”

TEAM NEWS: There are unlikely to be any new additions to the Rocks squad before the weekend.