AFTER a midweek of mixed fortunes, three borough sides continue their FA Trophy quest this weekend.

Hot on the heels of an FA Cup exit at Tamworth, East Thurrock were beaten in the Ryman One North 4-0 by Great Wakering on Tuesday, a result that may have knocked confidence as they go to fellow Ryman Northers Cheshunt in the Trophy.

Aveley will fancy their chances of an upset against British Gas Southern League Premier side Hitchin after successive wins against Ilford and Chatham, while Tilbury shouldn’t be daunted by the arrival of Cray Wanderers as they have gone four matches without defeat.

Hitchin were knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend and sit in mid-table while Cray Wanderers, one of the oldest established football clubs with a history going back to 1860, are in second-place in the Ryman South, but suffered a morale-damaging defeat against Burgess Hill on Tuesday.

In the Blue Square Premier, fans will be interested to see what sort of a team Grays field after their financial troubles. Woking are visitors to the New Rec.

Manager Wayne Burnett said he wanted to change his team after last week’s defeat at Northwich.

Financial circumstance may force his hand for Saturday.

Thurrock, who have had a week off, get back in action in the Blue Square South at home to Maidenhead and have a trip to Braintree in midweek.

FIXTURES:
Saturday, October 18, 3pm
FA Trophy First Round Qualifying
 Aveley v Hitchin Town
Cheshunt v East Thurrock United
Tilbury v Cray Wanderers
Blue Square Premier
Grays Athletic v Woking
Blue Square South Thurrock v Maidenhead United
Tuesday, October 21, 7.45pm
Blue Square South
 Braintree Town v Thurrock