THE PREVIEW: East Thurrock face a long trip west as they look to secure their place in the first round of the FA Trophy.

Rocks visit south Wales side Merthyr Town tomorrow, a 220 mile trip, but they do so off the back of a good result.

A 4-1 win against Farnborough on Tuesday lightened the mood around the injury-ridden camp, although manager Coventry has welcomed back some of his injured stars in the past week.

Merthyr sit 16th in the Evo-Stick Southern Premier League table after a slow start although they are unbeaten in the last three, and play on a 3G surface.

WHAT HE SAYS: Rocks boss John Coventry said: “It is a long way but it will be even worse for them if it ends up a draw and they have to come to us on Tuesday so I prefer it this way.

“We had them watched so we know what they are about and they have beaten some good teams so far so we will need to be on our game.

“I was pleased with the result against Farnborough and once we got the equaliser, a very good goal from Darren Phillips, we scored three more good goals and it could have been seven.

“We need to continue that tomorrow.”

FORM GUIDE: WDLWWW

TEAM NEWS: Striker Ady Yusuff is cup-tied, having played for Leatherhead in the competition, although Sam Higgins, left, could return after a long-term absence. Rickie Hayles and Kye Ruel could also be back.