ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE: The FA Vase returns this weekend as both Basildon United and Southend Manor kick off in the competition.

The Bees are away at Wivenhoe Town in the preliminary round tomorrow, and will be favourites to progress against the side from the Eastern Counties Division One outfit, who play a tier below Basildon.

Manager Craig Gillam watched his team win 5-0 in the Essex Senior Cup on Wednesday but will be without keeper Grant Hayward, Dan Howett, Justin Maynard and Brad Hunter.

Southend Manor host Hadley at Southchurch Park, looking to bounce back from a poor recent run of results.

Hadley, of the Spartan South Midlands Division One, will come to Southend as underdogs, although Manor boss Wayne Seal has a number of absentees.

Ross Casson, Dave Reynolds and James Lacey are injured or unavailable with Jeff Okirie a doubt.

In the Essex Senior League, Bowers & Pitsea host Barking looking to stretch their advantage at the top of the league.

Bowers are top of the league, nine points ahead of their opponents who have started the season slowly.

Rob Small has a fully fit squad ready to take on Barking.

Hullbridge Sports welcome London Bari having responded to the disappointment of their FA Cup exit to win 7-1 at Eton Manor on Wednesday – Luke Hornsley netting a hat-trick.

Rob Hodgson’s men have started the season well, and could climb to sixth in the division with a win.