Warm welcome awaits Rocks in North East

East Thurrock United's fans can expect a warm welcome from their counterparts at Hartlepool United when the Ryman Premier club arrives in the FA Cup's First Round on Saturday.

Coachloads of Rocks fans are heading north from Rookery Hill in transport laid on by the Essex club and on arrival at Victoria Park they've been invited by the Hartlepool Supporters Association to share a drink with them before kick-off at the group's base, the nearby Corner Flag pub.

A spokesman for the League Two club's supporters group said: "We have an excellent reputation in the lower leagues for our hospitality - so please pass on to your supporters. We offer a very warm welcome to all, including families.

"We have very good cheap beers and lagers as well as hot pies and the bar run by the club is more expensive than us. Looking forward to meeting and greeting your supporters."

John Coventry's side will run out at the weekend in shirts sponsored by 666BET.com after the online bookies chose six Non-League clubs to sponsor in the FA Cup following the draw for the First Round Proper.

The other ‘666BET Super Six' sides are the Conference South trio of Basingstoke Town, Gosport Borough and Weston-super-Mare, Conference North AFC Fylde and Norton United from the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League.

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