Norwich United entertain Thurrock this afternoon looking to bounce back from last Saturday's defeat, when a goal just four minutes from time brought the Planters' five-match unbeaten run to an end at Waltham Abbey, writes Norman Byrgrave.

Steve Eastaugh's men will have a tough job on their hands though. Today's visitors, Thurrock, currently sit in fourth position just four points behind current leaders Maldon & Tiptree. The Fleet have won their last three games – against Aveley, Waltham Abbey and Ware – all by the only goal of the game, as they attempt to go one better than last season's second-place finish.

Striker Mark Onyemah seems to be the man to stop having scored eight goals in the last nine games as the Fleet have steadily moved up the Ryman North table with just two defeats in their last 11 games.

The Planters will be looking to name a strong line-up with only Remi Gordon, out with a long term injury, unavailable. With victories over five of the current top seven so far this season, they will know that a good performance means they have nothing to fear from today's opponents.

Dereham are just two points better off than United in mid-table ahead of their home game against lowly Brentwood today.

The Magpies were held to a 0-0 draw by Hornchurch at Aldiss Park last weekend and have not enjoyed the comforts of home recently, losing two and drawing two of their last four.

Matt Henman's team entertain a struggling Brentwood, who have lost six straight games, as they look to climb back into the top half of the table.

Elsewhere, Wroxham face an important trip to Romford, having slipped back to the bottom of the table after a 3-0 home defeat to Bowers and Pitsea.

The Yachtsmen would move to within a point of their opponents if they can get back to winning ways, after two wins in late November breathed fresh life into their campaign, as the second half of the season begins.