THE PREVIEW: Great Wakering welcome Thurrock in the League Cup as they bid to overcome this season’s struggles in knock-out competitions.

Dan Trenkel’s men have been beaten in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy already this season and face another tough encounter when Thurrock come to Burroughs Park tonight.

Mark Stimson’s Fleet are sixth in Ryman One North after an impressive recent run and, unlike Rovers, were winners in the FA Trophy at the weekend.

The league match was full of controversy last season, with Rovers captain Lewis Sparrow clashing with former Thurrock man Abs Thomson, who was subsequently sacked by the club.

But Trenkel is expected to field a strong line-up as he bids to make it into the third round.

WHAT HE SAID: Rovers captain Sparrow said: “I am looking forward to it. I haven’t played in either of the cup defeats so far this year so I would like to help the team get through in this competition.

“It has been a difficult run for us but we have to remain confident in our ability and we will come out of it better.

“We are playing a good side in Thurrock. We had some good games with them last season and hopefully we will be able to come out on top this time.

FORM GUIDE: LDLLL