FA CUP: Bowers & Pitsea are back in cup action after securing an impressive win against Basildon United earlier in the week.

Rob Small’s side ran out 3-0 winners against Colin Cook’s men in the Essex Senior Cup thanks to strikes from Julian Simon-Parson, and substitutes Tom Hine and Rob Whitnell, with their focus now switching to the FA Cup.

Both managers had said they would be prioritising tomorrow’s preliminary round matches before the game and Small faces a selection headache for the test against Colney Heath, of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.

Although hotshot Rob Whitnell (who played 20 minutes on Wednesday) and defender Lamar Lemonius are doubtful, Small confirmed breakthrough stars Lloyd Wilson, Stuart Fergus, Lewis Blanchett and Sean Hinton are all in contention after starring against the Bees.

Tom Hine, Luke Wilson, Martin Llewellyn and Jason Baker were rested for tomorrow’s encounter.

Colney Heath knocked out Southend Manor in the last round and the winners of the game at the Len Salmon Stadium will pocket £1,925.

Basildon United will be hoping to get over the loss to their rivals at Ryman North side Aveley.

Colin Cook will take his side to Mill Field knowing he faces a Justin Gardner side bang in form – having won four on the trot in the league.

Craig Gillam, Taylor Sinfield, Jordan Williams, George Light and John Adebayo are all doubtful for the Aveley clash.

Hullbridge Sports were knocked out in the extra-preliminary round by Cockfosters so are not in action this weekend.

They did however bounce back from a poor run of results to beat Ilford in the league on Wednesday.

Manager Mark Bliss returned from holiday and brought in Aaron Hunwicks and Harry Skinner, and, as well as scoring twice, they also hit the woodwork twice.

It wasn’t until the second-half that Sports broke the deadlock, Kurtis Clarke driving across the keeper to score and Liam Nash doubled the advantage on 90 minutes from the penalty spot.

 

SOUTHEND Manor are in League Challenge Cup action tomorrow at Tower Hamlets.

Manor had been struggling at the start of the season but two consecutive wins for Wayne Seal’s men has instilled a new-found confidence in them.

Having already progressed in the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy, Manor will be looking to make it consecutive cup wins at the Mile End Stadium.