Great Wakering Rovers will be keen to improve on a disappointing home record when they host Wingate and Finchley tonight in the Ryman League Division One North.

The village side have won just once in six starts on home territory - in stark contrast to their good away form which has seen them beaten just once on opposition territory.

Tonight's encounter marks a temporary farewell to action for Rovers' popular club skipper Danny Scopes, who gets married on Saturday and will be missing from soccer action for a couple of weeks afterwards.

Marriages have had a disrupting effect on Wakering's progress this term. A few weeks ago club stalwart Ryan Wilkinson wed in the Caribbean - and guesting at the wedding led to a break from first team action for striker Dave Hudson and striker Mark Hampshire.

At least Scopes's nuptials won't have an immediate effect on Wakering as they are out of action on Saturday as scheduled opponents Slough Town are involved in an FA Cup final qualifying round home tie with Canvey Island.

Having lost at home to Aveley on Saturday, East Thurrock United will be hoping for greater fortune from tonight's local derby at Tilbury. Aveley face a tough task when they host second in the table Wealdstone.

Published Tuesday October 22, 2002

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