ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE: Bowers & Pitsea and Southend Manor couldn’t head into this weekend’s match against each other off the back of more contrasting results.

Bowers crushed Greenhouse London 6-1 this week while their visitors to the Len Salmon Stadium were trounced 8-1 at Waltham Forest.

Rob Small’s side have been in impressive form in the league and a win could lift them as high as sixth, with as many as eight games in hand on the sides above them.

Tom Hine, Alfie Hilton and Ross Adams are all suspended, with Scott Pethers and Martin Llewellyn making their comebacks in the week.

Manor, who won three successive games in October, have been in freefall ever since, having taken only one point from the last 21 available.

Hullbridge Sports travel to Greenhouse London after their FA Vase heroics.

Manager Mark Bliss orchestrated the win against Great Yarmouth Town but he admits he is looking forward to a league return tomorrow.

“Playing all these cup matches is a different experience,” he said. “We don’t want to be in a position where we are playing catch-up so hopefully the match will be on.

“Although Bowers beat Greenhouse in the week they are a team that has improved in recent weeks and we look forward to the challenge.”

Basildon United host Takeley fresh off the back of a 7-1 win over basement side Sporting Bengal United.

Craig Gillam, who scored a brace in that match, says Terry Griffiths is set to return from injury although skipper Taylor Sinfield is absent.

The Bees have won five of the last seven games.