Tomorrow's Thurrock derby highlights the ups-and-downs of a league campaign.

Aveley entertain East Thurrock and just a few weeks ago you'd have given Rocks next to no chance. It's a different scenario now.

After their depressing run of just one victory in 16, Lee Patterson's side have won two on the bounce this past week and not just in any old matches either.

At the weekend fifth-in-the table Yeading were beaten by the odd goal in five and then in midweek East Thurrock hit five without reply against a Great Wakering side that had lost just the once in seven previous outings.

Meanwhile the Millers have suddenly found themselves dropping down the table due to five matches without a win.

It promises to be an interesting afternoon for many of the players, and especially for Luke Bauckham and Keith Martin.

These two strikers swapped clubs earlier this month and have enjoyed contrasting fortunes.

Last weekend Bauckham was sent off in the 4-3 defeat at Marlow, while Martin celebrated his debut with a goal.

Published Friday, January 24, 2003

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