CONTINUING work on the floodlights at Rookery Hill means that East Thurrock United's home Ryman premier League match with Margate on Saturday has been brought forward to a 1.30pm kick-off.

Tuesday's scheduled FA Trophy replay with Tonbridge Angels was put back a week because of the problems with the lights and though contractors have said the work will be finished in time for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, it couldn't be guaranteed.

"We spoke to the League about the situation and they told us that if we risked it and the game was abandoned because of the lights we would be facing a £1,000 fine. That's something we couldn't risk so we've brought it forward so we can get the game finished before it's dark," said secretary Mick Stephens.

On the playing side, Rocks' joint bosses Lee Patterson and Steve Mosely have been scouring the region to strengthen and injury-depleted squad and were probably grateful of the delay in the Trophy replay.

Last week's third round qualifying match in Kent ended in a goalless draw saw Danny Dafter drafted into the back-line but he is likely to be replaced by Dagenham and Redbridge loanee Michael Filletti for the visit of mid-table Margate in a clash that Rocks need to win if they are to cling to the fringes of the play-off race.

Keeper Danny Knowles, who is on loan from Gillingham, has impressed in his two starts so far and is likely to remain between the sticks.