East Thurrock’s top scorer Sam Higgins is in line to start at Ryman Premier heavyweights Lowestoft today, after playing the second half of Rocks’ 1-1 at Hastings on Tuesday.

Higgins, who is seeking full match fitness after a hamstring tear, set up Kye Ruel for the equaliser at the Pilot Field.

Rocks have also been boosted by news of good progress in his recovery for Steve Sheehan from a broken leg.

The central defender is set to have a scan on Friday which will determine whether he can return to full contact action, and manager John Coventry said he could feature for the reserves today.

Rocks lost 2-0 to Lowestoft in mid December, but could have easily got something from the game.

Coventry said: “They are a good side and – before the likes of Whitehawk come along – start the season as favourites because their large fan base allows them to have a large budget.

“We’d all like that, of course, but we when we get all our best players on the pitch we feel we are a match for anyone in this division.”