Tonbridge have to keep one of the country’s most prolific strikers quiet in another top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.

Sam Higgins has already scored 36 times for East Thurrock this season and his goals have fired them to the top of the Ryman League, Premier Division.

Tonbridge travel to Essex third in the league, six points behind the Rocks with two games in hand after toppling previous leaders Hampton & Richmond last weekend.

Angels boss Steve McKimm knows the sort of problems Higgins will pose the league’s second-best defence.

He said: “He’s a massive threat. It’s 30-odd goals he’s got again this season, which is remarkable. He’s a good striker, knows where the net is and our job is to keep him at bay – but that’s easier said than done.

“Every manager will probably say the same, keep Sam Higgins quiet, but it’s hard because he’s such a good player.

“We know that if we stop the source, we’ve got half a chance but if he gets half a sniff, he’s going to put it in the back of the net. It’s what he’s paid to do and he’s good at it. We’ve got our work cut out going to East Thurrock on Saturday.

“They beat us at our place and they literally beat us up physically, which was the first time this season it’s happened.

“We don’t want that to happen again so the boys are going to be well aware of what they’re up against. Hopefully, we’ll give a better account of ourselves than we did at home."

Centre-half Jerrome Sobers starts a two-match suspension on Saturday.