Great Wakering Rovers, who need just four points from their last six games to confirm first time Ryman League Division Three promotion, might have to wait a little longer to move closer to that honour.

For tomorrow (Saturday) they visit the division's most-improved side, Flackwell Heath, who have been in near unbeatable form, particularly at home, over the past couple of months.

In stark contrast village side Wakering have taken just one point from their last two games and have real selection problems for the rest of the season.

Skipper John Heffer and Paul Pilkington are both out injured for the rest of the season while there are doubts tomorrow about Ollie Evans, Richard Woodley and assistant manager Alan Hull.

Twin strikers Mark Hampshire and Paul Flack are both regaining match fitness after spells out on the treatment table and, for tomorrow week's home game with Corinthian Casuals, both Tommy Dalgarno and Gary Ewers will be starting suspensions following sendings-off in last week's home game with Egham.

At least Danny Scopes is available again tomorrow after a ban and Rovers will undoubtedly deservedly go up eventually.

However, they may now find it harder to make the rise as champions. Second placed East Thurrock are now just four points behind with a game in hand and third-placed Tilbury are also in with a chance of finishing in the top spot.

Wakering's season continues at Burroughs Park on Tuesday when Halstead visit in an East Anglian Cup quarter-final.

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