RYMAN PREMIER: The circumstances could not be more different when East Thurrock United walk out to face Wingate & Finchley tomorrow.

Almost eight months ago, East Thurrock were preparing for their final league game of the season, knowing a win would save them from relegation and, in turn, condemn Wingate to the drop.

Rocks’ 4-2 triumph against Bognor Regis Town did just that but, a month later, Wingate were handed a reprieve by the FA, after Worksop Town resigned from the Northern Premier League Division.

And Wingate have made the most of their reprieve. They sit one place outside the play-off places ahead of tomorrow’s game and Rocks defender Simon Peddie is expecting a very different game tomorrow.

A former captain at Rookery Hill, the 32-year-old is a strong fans favourite at the club and has forged a strong partnership with veterans Ben Wood and Paul Goodacre at the back.

And Peddie has backed East Thurrock to continue their fine league form, which has seen them go unbeaten since the middle of September.

“It is going to be strange,” he said. “I believe our squad as a whole is lot better than it was last season and we have more match winners in the side, which is a major plus.

“I didn’t think we would have the tough season we had last year this time around. No-one wants to be in a relegation battle but the level of the players in this squad means we should not be struggling at the bottom.

“We have great memories of winning on the final day last year, but I would rather get those great feelings having been fighting at the top end of the division.”

Peddie will come face-to-face with the Ryman Premier League’s top marksman tomorrow – former Thurrock striker David Knight and he says he is looking forward to the challenge.

“I like testing myself against the best strikers in the division,” he went on. “They will be in confident mood and it is up to me to stop them scoring. I like a good battle and I believe I am capable of stopping them scoring, although I will have to be at my best.

“We are doing well but we think we are capable of doing better. All the players are confident heading into matches and if we can turn a few draws into wins we will be pushing the play-offs which is where we want to be at the end of the season.”