EAST Thurrock United fans will be hoping a number of new signings and a morale-boosting cup victory will spark a revival in the club's fortunes in the Isthmian Premier.

Today (Saturday, 29 January) the Rocks will play host to midtable Haringey Borough at Rookery Hill, looking to carry on from where they finished in Wednesday's emphatic Velocity Trophy thumping of Romford.

Rocks - who will feature new loan signing from Southend, Miles Mitchell-Nelson among other new faces - are in the bottom two of the division at the moment, with just five points from their last nine league outings. While a win today would not lift them out of the relegation zone it might signal better times are ahead.

In the Isthmian North Aveley go into this afternoon's fixtures on top of the table thanks to a 3-0 win at Barking last night.

The Millers were give the lead on the half hour by Kenny Aileru and two goals from another Southend United loanee, Jon Benton (50 and 79 minutes) secured the victory. One of Benton's goals was a stunning free-kick - see video clip.

Benton has added real impetus to Aveley's promotion challenge since his arrival in November, scoring nine goals, including four on his home debut.

Grays Athletic are at home this afternoon when a familiar face to Blues fans will bring his new side to parkside. Former East Thurrock boss John Coventry recently took over Great Wakering Rovers, with the task of lifting the village side out of a relegation struggle. And, after a draw with Tilbury last weekend, Rovers claimed three points in midweek at Basildon so will be upbeat going into today's game.

Grays, currently in fifth place, will need to bounce back quickly from their midweek fixture – a 5-1 Essex Senior Cup trouncing at Barking. Their last league outing saw them put six without reply past league whipping boys Romford and home supporters will be wondering which side will turn up today!

Tilbury, who also went out of the Essex Senior Cup to Brentwood after a penalty decider in midweek - will get their chance to get some shooting practice in against Romford this afternoon when Borough visit Chadfields.