MARVIN Ekpiteta says there is no reason East Thurrock United can’t upset the odds and knock Aldershot Town out of the FA Trophy once again tomorrow.

Rocks got the better of the Shots following extra-time in a first round replay last season.

Ekpiteta wasn’t at the club at the time, joining from Concord Rangers at the end of January.

He has been a regular ever since and is the only player at the club to have started all 29 of East Thurrock’s fixtures so far this term.

And he says he is determined to be part of a winning side against the National League visitors this campaign.

“I wasn’t here last year but I am well aware of how difficult a game it will be,” said the 22-year-old, who has also played for Chelmsford City.

“You only have to look at the league table to see how well they are doing and we will need to be at our best to progress.

“I am not the sort of guy who will look too much into an opponent, I will go out and play my game. I always try my hardest and we all want to win tomorrow.

“It is possible as we did it last year. We believe in ourselves and we are at home so why can’t we do it?

“We will be without Higgo (captain Sam Higgins) and he is our main guy up front but we will look to others.”

Higgins is serving a one-match suspension after his red card in the 5-1 defeat to Hampton & Richmond Borough last weekend.

Ekpiteta will hope one man who is back in the fold is defensive partner George Allen, who has missed the last three matches through injury.

The two were partnered for 24 of the first 26 matches of term as Rocks made a flying start to the season, and Ekpiteta says he enjoys playing alongside the ex-Canvey Island man.

And he also admitted he was grateful to Rocks boss John Coventry after he brought him in.

“I am really enjoying my football here,” said the defender. “It is nice when a manager believes in you and I have had a lot of good times here.

“I am playing well and I wanted to make the move. We were struggling at Concord and I wanted to test myself up the league.

“It has worked and I really enjoy playing with George,” he added. “We feed off each other and if we can learn and develop while helping the team get good results then everyone is a winner.”

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THE PREVIEW: Rocks boss John Coventry admitted he thought he was looking at last year’s draw when the two names were drawn out of the hat, after his side beat the National League outfit in a replay.

Having drawn 1-1 at Rookery Hill, the lower league side were 4-3 winners after extra-time in Hampshire.

However, none of the scorers over the two legs are still at East Thurrock, with Sam Higgins – who scored in both matches – serving a one-match suspension.

The sixth-placed Shots have not won in the last two and have failed to score in either of those matches.

However, they remain firm favourites to advance in Essex.

MEN TO WATCH: Bernard Mensah is the danger man for the visitors, having been named the club’s player of the month for November after netting in three consecutive matches.

Rocks will look to the industry of Reece Harris and Lewis Smith.

WHAT THE BOSS SAID: “It is a break from the league and an opportunity to get more confidence after Saturday’s defeat at Hampton & Richmond Borough,” said boss Coventry.

“We will be without Sam but we are not expected to win, although we weren’t last year either. I have messed about with two up top since signing Tom Richardson but we know their strengths so I might not do that.

“We are inconsistent and I would like to think we will give a good account of ourselves.” 

WHEN & WHERE: Tomorrow, 3pm at the FutureFuel Stadium, Rookery Hill, Corringham, SS17 9LB

TEAM NEWS: Sam Higgins is suspended.