GRAYS take on Altrincham on Saturday in what will be a tough FA Trophy fifth round test for Mark Stimson's squad.

Grays dream is to make it through to the last eight - but first they have to get past a side with three decades of Cup competition history.

Conference North Robins have not lost in their last six league games and have a dangerous weapon in the form of Colin Little.

The 33-year-old former Halifax striker has 24 goals to his name so far this season and is capable of scoring with either foot.

Blues boss Mark Stimson said: "You know that when you go past Watford it's going to be a physical game and Altrincham are doing brilliantly in the league at the moment. They have only lost once in the league this year and they are in the equivalent league to us. So we are well aware of what they can do.

"We will be keeping an eye on Colin Little as he's clearly a good player, but we have our own talents here and so far the lads are looking fit with training sessions booked for Wednesday and Friday."

Depending upon conditions Blues may travel up to the north west on Friday rather than Saturday.

And Stimson has suggested that Grays fans who make the long trek would boost the spirits of his side.

"I have heard talk of the fans who are coming up north to support us. Fans who travel this distance are the die-hards. And they should not underestimate how much their support means to me and the lads on the pitch," he added.

Blues' midfielder Martin Carthy has gone on loan to Welling United for two months.

Grays' away fixture against Bognor Regis Town will be played on Tuesday, March15.

AFTER their morale-boosting goalless draw at second placed Cambridge City on Tuesday evening, Thurrock will have a weekend off.

Colin McBride's men did well to bounce back from the 4-0 defeat at Eastbourne on Saturday and are now looking forward to their Essex Senior Cup clash at Southend on Tuesday.

East Thurrock United, having been thwarted from playing their Southern League Cup tie at Maldon on Tuesday because of of floodlight failure, will be confident of maintaining their Division One East title challenge with a home match against strugglers Beaconsfield SYCOB on Saturday.

Mid-table Aveley make the trip to Berkhamsted while one of the last nails will be knocked in Tilbury's coffin if the botttom club fail to beat Wingate and Finchley at Chadfields.