EAST Thurrock United face a possibly pivotal Isthmian Premier match at Rookery Hill this afternoon (Saturday, 6 November).

The Rocks, who have suffered a succession of heavy defeats and have not won since a 4-3 victory against derby rivals Hornchurch at the beginning of October, play host to bottom club Leatherhead.

The visitors have just five points from 13 matches, though their only win of the season was on the road just a couple of miles away when they beat Bowers & Pitsea 3-2 on the opening day of the season.

Since then they have slumped to the foot of the table, picking up just two draws.

East Thurrock sit two places above them and are in desperate need of a morale-boosting win after five successive league defeats that have seen them concede 19 goals and score just twice - while last Saturday saw them exit the FA Trophy at the hands of Kingstonian, going down 6-0 at Rookery Hill, where their last home match also saw a very heavy defeat - 8-0 by promotion-chasing Enfield Town.

In the Isthmian North third-placed Grays were hoping to make up ground on leaders Canvey Island, who are without a match today, at Barking but the match has been called off due to 'unforeseen circumstances.

Aveley, who are also in the promotion mix, are at home to struggling Basildon United.

15th-placed Tilbury, who parted company with management duo Marc Harrison and his assistant Liam Wallace last week, will be in the hands of caretaker boss Luke Wilson at home to Coggeshall Town.

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Wilson is hoping he can turn the Dockers' fortunes around, saying: "I am very privileged to be asked to help out, I will do what I can as player and caretaker to help the club through current moments. Football is a results business so fingers crossed we can turn the tide."