Harlow will be without influential playmaker and captain James Smith, who starts a two game suspension following his second red card of the season against Romford in November. He will also miss Tuesday’s trip to Thamesmead. Ironically, he first sending off came against Tilbury in the home league fixture.

On-loan Southend defender Daniel Matsuzaka will also not be available for selection, as he is due to play in the Shrimpers’ FA Youth Cup tie against Middlesbrough on Friday.

The two sides last met back in August, in a feisty affair which saw both sides reduced to 9 men. Tilbury were two goals up by half-time but a Jared Small goal and a late Alex Read penalty salvaged a point for the Hawks. You can read the report from that encounter here.

Harlow will go in to this game looking to make a good start to the busy festive season. The Hawks’ last outing, a 2-1 away win against Aveley, ended a three game run without a win so they will be looking to build on that result.

The overall league form has been good, with only the one defeat in the league this season. Harlow have taken 11 points from a possible 18 in the last 6 games – three wins, two draws and a loss – which leaves them in second place on 54 points from 23 games. That’s one point behind Needham Market in first place, but still with a game in hand over them.

This weekend’s opponents Tilbury have obtained 10 points in the same period, with three wins, a draw and a loss. They’re currently in 15th in the league, with 26 points from 23 games.

For any travelling fans, bear in mind there is likely to be increased traffic near the M25/A13 junction due to Lakeside Christmas shoppers, so allow yourselves a little extra travelling time. The stadium address is:

Tilbury Football Club
Chadfields
St Chads Road
Tilbury
Essex RM18 8NL

Kick off is at 3pm, Saturday 13th December.