THREE of the borough's non-league teams face matches that could be pivotal in their season today.

Ryman Premier League East Thurrock United are at home to Hastings United in a match they really can't afford to lose.

The visitors are second from bottom, while Rocks themselves hover just a place and one point above the four relegation spots.

However, such is the close nature of the division this season that a win today a subsequent run of good results could yet see John Coventry's side challenge for a play-off spot.

He said: "Looking back over recent games, things could have been so different having beaten Leyton and Boreham Wood, also leading up until the 80th minute in the other two games against Maidestone and Billericay.

"If we had managed to hold on to our lead those six points would have put us in seventth position instead of 18th!

"That is the fine line between clubs in this division this season, apart from a few sides, the rest of the league changes weekly.

"The most frustrating point for me is that nine of our recently conceded goals have come from set plays.

"Obviously the situation is being addressed in training and at games but again in our game at Horsham last week two more goals were conceded this way.

"I am not the sort of person who makes excuses but these are facts, but I am responsible. I decide to put those players on the pitch for each game and it is now my job to improve the situation, one way or the other."

Meanwhile in the Blue Square South, Thurrock travel to Bognor Regis, opposition that shared the most vital day of their season in the last campaign.

On the last day of the season Bognor visited Thurrock on a roller-coaster afternoon when late goals for the home side got the victory that saved them from relegation.

Today things look a lot rosier for Fleet. Success wins in 2008, including last week's impressive victory at Hampton and Richmond, have lifted them out of the relegation fight and close to a promotion play-off challenging position.

Bognor are strggling just one place above the drop zone so the odds will favour Hakan Hayrettin's side to continue the fine run and prove they really are contenders.

In the Ryman Division One North Tilbury will be looking to build on Wednesday's hard-fought, morale-boosting victory at Ilford.

It was their first three-pointer since late September but if they can build on it with a home win against Northwood today, and against Great Wakering on Tuesday, they could put real distance between themselves and the relegation places.

Life is a lot more comfortable in the division for borough neighbours Aveley. Their fine form since the arrival of Rod Stringer has faltered a little lately but today's trip to struggling Waltham Forest affords them the opportunity to get back to winning ways.