AVELEY FC will be hoping for a derby romp on Good Friday as they seek to boost their table-topping position in the Isthmian North promotion-chase with three matches left.

The Millers will be at bottom club Romford, kick-off 3pm, and will be hoping for a goals feast similar to that enjoyed by title rivals Canvey Island last Saturday (9 April) when they smashed the strugglers 13-0.

That massively improved the Islanders' goal difference, taking them to a position five goals better than Aveley, which could yet be a significant factor as the title chase reaches its conclusion.

Only Aveley of the borough's non-League sides are in action on Good Friday. Fellow North sides Grays Athletic are home to Brentwood on Saturday, while Tilbury (who have announced John Coventry as their new manager for next season) play host to Basildon United.

In the Premier Division, where there are also just three matches left, East Thurrock are also in action on Saturday, playing host to Wingate & Finchley. However, their hopes of avoiding the drop could be improved on Good Friday with relegation rivals Cray Wanderers and Brightlingsea Regent both with away matches at play-off chasing Enfield Town and Hornchurch respectively.

Hornchurch have already done East Thurrock one favour this week, beating Cray 5-0 on Sunday.