THE PREVIEW: East Thurrock’s home defeat against Merstham may have been the surprise result of the weekend, although they will be expected to return to winning ways at lowly Farnborough.

Rocks lost 2-1, their first defeat in the league since a 2-1 reverse against Needham Market back in November. They have not lost away from home in the league since defeat at Billericay on October 24 and play a Boro side bereft of confidence and form.

Boro have lost nine of the last 10 league matches and are nine points from safety in the Ryman Premier League.

Rocks won the reverse fixture 4-1, as a second-half comeback handed John Coventry’s men the points.

WHAT HE SAID: “The wind was horrific on Saturday and it was a real leveller between the two teams. I know the weather affected more than just our game at the weekend and I don’t think we should play in it, but we did and we lost.

“Merstham wanted it more than us and they got the result. We now have to look ahead to Farnborough. It is a difficult one to prepare for as they have such a high turnover of players.

“We played them not so long ago but I am sure it will be a completely different team to the one we played that day. We just have to go out there and play the game and we will be OK.”

FORM GUIDE: LWWWDW

TEAM NEWS: Ryan Sammons may miss the match due to personal reasons.