LOOKING AHEAD: East Thurrock United welcome Hungerford Town this weekend fully aware of the significance of the encounter.

Just two points separates 19th placed Hungerford and 20th placed East Thurrock ahead of kick-off, although the Crusaders have played one game more following Rocks’ postponement last weekend.

The last time the two met was also a tense affair. Hungerford needed to win at Rookery Hill on the final day of last season to maintain their National League South status, which they did with a narrow 1-0 triumph.

Both teams are on dismal runs of form - Rocks losing the last three and Hungerford beaten in their last five.

Kem Izzet has been appointed by John Coventry as Rocks’ new first-team coach.

MANAGER’S VIEW: “We went to Weston last weekend in a good frame of mind and in high spirits but it was postponed because of an accident and these things happen,” said Coventry. “It puts football into perspective.

“I tried to get a friendly but we wouldn’t have been able to play anyway because of bad traffic on Tuesday.

“But I am looking forward to tomorrow having had a rest.

“Last week I was able to get off the coach and get a lift to the Hungerford against Dulwich match.

“It was clear that Hungerford are fighting for every ball and working very hard. We need to match their work rate as a minimum.”

TEAM NEWS: Former Rocks striker Danilo Orsi-Dadomo makes a return to Rookery Hill with Hungerford.