GREAT Wakering Rovers' boss Tony Cross is determined to give youth a chance in his bid to lift the club from their precarious position third from bottom in Southern League Division One East.

The village side visit Cross's former club, Tilbury, who are a place below them, tonight.

Cross called up three of his talented young reserves for Saturday's trip to Barton Rovers, striker Tom Dosser plus Matt Reade and 16-year-old Sam Lake - the latter two coming off the bench.

Although Wakering lost 1-0 after enjoying the lion's share of possession, Cross was pleased with the commitment displayed by his side.

He said: "The three youngsters did well and that's a policy I feel this club has got to continue.

"We are a little isolated here when it comes to signing players and we don't have the big financial clout that a lot of sides are throwing at it to bid for success at this level."

Wakering do have experienced skipper Danny Scopes back tonight after guesting at a wedding on Saturday, while Jordan Tolan also returns.

Added Cross: "I always look forward to going back to Tilbury as I had some good times at St Chad's during my time there.

"But there's no room for sentiment. We're both in trouble at the wrong end of the table and, even at this stage, you could say this is a 12-pointer let alone a six-pointer."

Having lost at fellow promotion hopefuls Boreham Wood on Saturday, East Thurrock United need some reward tonight. But they will not find things easy at Essex rivals Maldon, who thrashed Tilbury 5-1 on Saturday.

Aveley, who threw away a two-goal lead at Fisher Athletic at the weekend and lost 3-2 entertain bottom club Sittingbourne tomorrow.