EAST Thurrock United co-manager Lee Patterson is hoping his tough-talking will continue to pay dividends when Slough Town visit Rookery Hill in the Ryman Premier League on Tuesday.

After consecutive defeats against Harrow Borough in the league and FA Cup, Patterson had harsh words for some of his players and the immediate result was a 2-0 win at Wealdstone last Saturday.

He said: "I spoke to a fair few of the players and told them one or two home truths about how they performed and what we expect. We also made some changes and while the players left out were not scapegoats by any means. I am delighted to say that the ones who came in all delivered and we put in a good performance to get three points at a place that's never easy."

One of those drafted in was new signing Byron Bubb and the former Millwall youth player and Grenadian World cup international made a big impact at Wealdstone.

He seems certain to keep his place against one of his former clubs tonight, while another set to line-up against his old teammates is Tony Boot.

Boot scored on Saturday, as did striker Steve West, who was then sent off for the first time in his long career.

Patterson is hoping that the FA will take a lenient view on the sending off and his man will get the minimum punishment.

He said: "Having played with Steve at three clubs, and the fact he has never been sent off before, I know it was an accident, and the referee was good enough to listen after and even agreed that it could have been an accident and that Steve's actions towards the player will be added to his report.

"The tackle was nowhere near as dangerous as some that have been featured on the television lately, so we are hoping he will only receive a one game suspension."

With Bubb, Boot and Dean Palmer joining the squad recently, Patterson has moved some fringe players out on loan. Kevin Mully has joined Aveley, and Martin Touhy has joined Ilford, both initially for a month. Already at other clubs are Elliott Gresham, Danny Jones, Mark Cartlidge and Trevor Paul.