l RUNDOWN: East Thurrock United turn their attentions to the FA Cup after an excellent start in the National League South.

Rocks would normally have a round of the FA Cup under their belts by now but their promotion to the second tier of non-league football last year sees them enter at the second qualifying round stage.

And they have a tough tie to start.

League opponents Whitehawk are regularly one of the team’s to beat in the National League South but they have not matched their own high standards early on this year.

They have won just two of their first eight matches to date although one of those was this week at high-flying Hampton & Richmond Borough.

East Thurrock traditionally enjoy the competition, and have only failed to reach the third qualifying round once in the last five years.

l MANAGER’S VIEW: Rocks boss John Coventry said: “The FA Cup is a bit of a release from the pressure of the league and it is a good game to come at this point in the season.

“Obviously we want to get through it very much as we have enjoyed good runs in the competition in recent years.

“Whitehawk are a good team and we could have got a more favourable tie but we are at home and we believe we have the quality to come through it.”

l BETTING ODDS: East Thurrock United 13/10, Whitehawk 19/10

l TEAM NEWS: Striker Sam Higgins and midfielder George Craddock are unavailable for the FA Cup clash because of injury, while defender Lee Burns could return.