THE key to Hayes and Yeading United staying with the early pacemakers in the Blue Square Conference South could be their form at Church Road over the coming weeks.

After losing their opening home match of the season to Chelmsford City, United have chalked up impressive displays at Church Road against Bishops Stortford and highly placed Welling United on Saturday.

And Garry Haylock's side will be looking to make it three straight home wins when lowly Thurrock are the visitors this Saturday.

After a shaky start to the season four consecutive wins, before last night (Tuesday's) clash at Bath City, had propelled United into the top seven in the table - their highest position for several seasons.

Saturday's visitors Thurrock have made a poor start to the season and before their game last night (Tuesday) with Hampton &Richmond Borough they had failed to take a single point from their first six matches.

A glut of new faces have arrived at Ship Lane in a bid to turn the tide for the struggling Essex side.

These include midfielder Jon Docker from Dorchester Town and winger Aaron McLeish from Bed-font Green, while David Bryant has re-joined from rivals Braintree.

The new signings resulted in a much improved Thurrock showing on Saturday when they were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Havant &Waterlooville.

After Thurrock the next visitors to Church Road are AFC Wimbledon for the much awaited clash on September 20.

Former Hayes boss Terry Brown will return with his big spending side currently setting the early pace at the top of the table.