Rocks aim to continue winning start to non-stop November

Ben Johnson glances in the Rocks' opener at Thamesmead Picture by Tommy McMillan

The Nyewood Lane boss was delighted with the performances that saw Chippenham and Thamesmead beaten in the FA Trophy and Ryman premier.

But he said those standards would need to be maintained in a hectic period that would see the team play another six games this month in three different competitions.

The next two games in particular look tough – second-placed Dulwich Hamlet visit in the league on Saturday before the Rocks visit Conference South outfit Hayes & Yeading in the FA Trophy on Sunday week.

Howell said: “It was nice to put the defeat at Wingate behind us quickly.

“Against Chippenham we scored goals early when we were on top and although we let them back into it briefly, it was quite comfortable.

“The draw for the next round, away to Hayes and Yeading, is tough but it’ll be another chance to see how far we’ve come. Then at Thamesmead, I thought we deserved the win for our second-half dominance.”

Howell praised Saturday’s hat-trick hero Terry Dodd and Tuesday’s double scorer Ben Johnson, but said both victories were built on solid team displays.

Harvey Whyte (thigh) and Daryl Wollers (groin) are the only two on the injured list ahead of the hectic schedule, though Dan Kempson will soon be banned after his red card at Wingate.

NON-STOP NOVEMBER

Nov 2: Chippenham W 4-1

Nov 5: Thamesmead W 2-1

Nov 9: Dulwich Hamlet H

Nov 17: Hayes & Yeading A

Nov 19: AFC Hornchurch A

Nov 23: Bury Town H

Nov 26: Lancing (SSC) H

Nov 30: Harrow Borough A