GRAYS Athletic make a trip into uncharted territory today (Saturday, 21 March) when they visit Downham Town's Memorial Playing Fields Ground in Norfolk, for the first time.

It's a vital clash for both sides. Downham, who were beaten 4-3 in an eventful first ever meeting between the sides at Chadfields in December, are second from bottom in the Isthmian North, nine points from safety with seven matches remaing. Defeat today and results elsewhere could see them in a dire situation and facing an immediate return to the Eastern Counties league after just one season at Step Four.

However, they have shown improved recent form, drawing matches with promotion-chasing Maldon & Tiptree and Stanway Rovers 2-2.

Grays still have relegation concerns, sitting just four points above the drop zone , and the injury-hit Blues lost their last encounter 2-0, at home to Maldon, with more players moving onto the sick list with Aron Gordon, Harry Hope and Judah Tawiah among those battling for fitness after picking up knocks.

Tilbury are at home to Brightlingsea Regent today, hoping to build on last week's win at Heybridge and edge nearer the top five - though the probability of getting into the play-off zone is very small and would require a remarkable run and other teams slipping badly.

After the disappointment of their derby defeat at Billericay last time out, Aveley will be looking to consolidate their home Isthmian Premier semi-final position with w win at Parkside against mid-table Cheshunt.  

After last week's Essex & Suffolk Border League Knock-out Cup win on penalties at Rodings and Waltham which earned them a fourth round match at Springfield next weekend, East Thurrock Community FC hit the road again today with a return to Premier Division action at Earls Colne.

Rocks, who were long time league leaders, now sit third and two points behind leaders Great Bentely, with both teams having played 21 matches. Sudbury Sports are second, a point above Rocks but have played three matches more. Rocks, who have already drawn at home and beaten Great Bentley away, will be hoping someone does them a favour by taking points off the current leaders who are at seventh-placed AFC Pegasus this afternoon.

Earls Colne sit fifth, six points behind their visitors today.