AFTER the disappointment of last Sunday's FA Trophy exit at Slough, Thurrock will be seeking consolation with a revitalised promotion challenge in the Conference South.

The Purfleet side are currently in fourth place and well on course to confirm a promotion play-off place.

On Saturday they entertain St Albans at Ship Lane and should be confident of a decent result against a side embroiled in the relegation battle.

Runaway leaders Grays will also be looking to put disappointment behind them after their GLS Cup exit on penalties at Stevenage on Tuesday.

They travel to Welling and will be looking to maintain the 15 point gap at the top of the table.

Another side challenging for promotion are East Thurrock United who will expect to cement their second place in the Southern league Division One East with victory against struggling Great Wakering at Rookery Hill.

Bottom club Tilbury are also at home, looking for a morale-boosting performance, if not points, against promotion contenders Barton Rovers. Last Saturday they suffered a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Maldon, which came just five days after a 4-0 home defeat by East Thurrock.

Dockers' management hope to have some new faces in the team for Saturday, including striker Bradley Walsh and former Harlow defender Steve Mensah.

Despite a 3-0 defeat at Sittingbourne last Saturday, Aveley enjoyed an entertaining 4-4 friendly draw with Thurrock in midweek and should approach tomorrow's trip to Wivenhoe in good heart.

Thurrock have confirmed the date of their Essex Senior Cup semi-final against Southend at Roots Hall on Tuesday, March 1.