ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE: Hullbridge Sports face a second weekend derby in succession when they welcome Bowers & Pitsea to Lower Road tomorrow.

After a disappointing 2-0 loss to Basildon United this week, Mark Bliss’ side are looking to hit back in style against Rob Small’s men.

Sports remain in fifth despite a run of five matches without a win, which stretches back to when Liam Nash left the club to join Billericay Town.

Tenth-placed Bowers meanwhile have played six games fewer than Sports after various cup commitments this term, but are only six points behind their opponents this weekend.

Ex-Bowers man Luke Hornsley will be hoping to start for Hullbridge after making his debut last weekend and will have Rob Hodgson available. But they will be without Reece Brandon as he is suspended after his recent red card.

Small said his side were struggling with injuries but were looking forward to getting on the pitch and battling for the points.

Sean Hinton, Frank Everett, Scott Pethers, Dan Brown, Vinny Durrant, Jamie Salmon, Martin Llewellyn and Rob Whitnell are all unavailable.

Basildon United will look to continue their recent revival at Ilford. Ilford are five points better off their opponents but the Bees are on fire at the moment.

Craig Gillam’s side have won four on the spin and a win could lift them as high as 10th.

But Gillam himself is a doubt with a groin strain, while George Whitby is definitely out after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Russell Harley picked up a thigh injury so will miss the game.