Johnson backs his men

Men’s East League

Premier A

Havering v Peterborough

Captain Paul Johnson admits Havering’s clash with 100 per cent Peterborough at Campion will be their toughest yet this season.

But he has faith in his side to put up a good fight.

Johnson said: “Looking at the table and the results in the league so far, it is going to be an incredibly hard game.

“Peterborough have scored 50-plus goals in eight games but we have the second best defensive record in the league.

“We keep men behind the ball and attack at speed so i feel we have as good a chance as any to get a result.

“Reports suggest Peterborough have an explosive strike force with players with National Premier experience but i believe our defence to be one of the best if not the best in the league so it could come down to who performs on the day.”

Paul Dover and Pete Ware are set to return to the Havering line-up and Johnson added: “Not many teams have come to Campion in the last three years and won so i’m sure they will be made to work for it whatever the result.”

Division 1

Upminster v Brentwood

Two goals down inside five minutes last weekend, Upminster bounced back to beat Broxbourne 5-2 for their third successive win.

Captain Nick Payne was delighted with the spirit shown by his men - led by Harry Trusler’s hat-trick - and will want that to continue against a Brentwood side just two points, but five places, back.

Division 4SE

Romford v Harlow

Edged out by Havering 2nds in a seven-goal derby thriller last weekend, Romford need a win against struggling Harlow.

Defeat could suck James Hibbard’s men towards the relegation places, but success should see them climb into the top half of the table.

Women’s East League

Div 1S: Broxbourne v Upminster

A hard-fought triumph against Colchester lifted Upminster into second place, but only four points separates the top five.

Michelle Dixey’s side - beaten just once in nine outings this season - will hope to emulate the men’s first team, who won 5-2 at Broxbourne last week, as they attempt to keep the pressure on leaders Old Loughts.

Div 2SW: Potters Bar v Havering

Havering’s hot-shots are the leading scorers in the entire East League.

Premier Division leaders Maidstone (48) are the only team close to unbeaten Havering’s total of 51 at present.

But Potters Bar are going along nicely in third place at the moment and Havering will have to guard against complacency as they look to maintain their title push.

Essex Div 1: Brentwood II v Romford

Held to a draw by Havering 3rds in a derby last week, Romford visit second-placed Brentwood for another Recorderland clash.

Romford have scored the third most goals in the division (21) on the back of some fine finishing from Kelly and Leah Butcher and Emma James.

But Brentwood have the second meanest defence, conceding only six times in eight games to date.