Match preview for this weekend’s crucial national league south clash between East Thurrock United and Hungerford town. These two teams are only separated by two points in the table and a win for the hosts would see them overtake the visitors. However the Crusaders could go five points clear of the relegation zone and with Weston Super Mare in fa cup action they could go 9 points clear off the bottom spot. This proves to be a tight and tense encounter but with many rewards for the winners. It may not be a six pointer with still a long way to go in the season but this game could be crucial come the end of season standings.

Previewing our opponents: East Thurrock
Form guide : There game on Saturday against Weston was postponed therefore the rocks have had an extra day off. However, like Hungerford, this season has not given them much to cheer about. Overall this season they have only won two games and lost all the others, not drawing at all this season. There only wins have been at home to Slough town and Bath City respectively. Both were narrow 1-0 wins. In their last game against Wealdstone they held on until striker Jorome Slew scored four minutes from time.

Team news: Manager John Coventry has recently added to his squad with four new signings. Steve Sheelan has rejoined the club after five years away playing for Billericay town and Canvey Island. The central defender used to captain the side. His second signing was 32 year old central midfielder Reece Prestege to add experience to the side. Reece has spent most of his career playing national league football with the likes of Dagenham, Bromley and Maidstone United. Next he added youngster Jonathon Nzengo. The 20 year old joins from Romford fc and plays at left back despite being Romford's top scorer last season. Lastly Gokhan Can was signed after playing in Turkish football and is a French international so is subject to international clearance. Striker Danilo Orsi-Dadomo left the club and has joined Saturdays rivals Hungerford.

Star Man: Sam Higgins - Higgins is an experienced striker who has rejoined East Thurrock this season. He has national league south experience with Chelmsford and Bromley but his most prolific season was last when he won the Rymans league golden boot for the second year running. However he has only scored one goal this season, against St Albans, and had to miss the opening five matches off the season as he got married abroad. In his absence the rocks have struggled for goals. They have scored only 5 goals in 11 matches. Only on one occasion have they scored more than one goal in a match, also against St Albans.

Head to head : East Thurrock and Hungerford both have very short history in the national league south. The hosts were promoted with a playoff win versus Dulwich Hamlet in 2015-16 whilst Hungerford, promoted in the same year, beat Leamington. Therefore the clubs have only met 4 times before in this division with Hungerford boasting 3 wins and a draw. They have won on both visits to Rookery Hill, both 1-0 scorelines. However East Thurrock have beaten Hungerford at home recently, when they won 4-2 in an Fa Trophy replay, in 2014-15. Star man Sam Higgins scored all four for the rocks that day. Last season these two met on the final day of the season with Hungerford needing to win in Essex to stay up. They did that thanks to a Nicholas Bignall goal and a superb work ethic. A repeat on Saturday would be most welcome and history seems to be on their side.

Photo Credit: @philc_nwn