Having suffered only their second London One defeat of the season when losing 30-21 at third-placed Hertford last weekend, top dogs Southend will be anxious to get back on the win trail tomorrow.

They host mid-table Staines and expect a tough encounter as they only chalked up a narrow victory in the corresponding away fixture earlier in the campaign.

In Division Two North, Thurrock look set to face a difficult afternoon when they host high-flying Old Albanians, currently second.

Both Basildon, who host Hadleigh, and Rochford, who entertain West Norfolk, stage home matches and will be keen to pull off wins as the local sides are second and third from bottom respectively in London Three North East.

Stanford go to second-placed Stowmarket in Eastern Counties One and may find it tough to get the points needed to move them up from penultimate position. Billericay are third from bottom and host mid-table Holt.

Canvey are rock bottom and are likely to find it tough when they visit Ely.

Westcliff currently top Eastern Counties Two South and will be looking to grab the points enabling them to go further clear. Dagenham have won just two and lost seven of their nine league games.

Published Friday, December 13, 2002

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