SOUTHEND United will host Ryman One North minnows Redbridge in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup.

Blues, who play five tiers above Redbridge in the football pyramid, tend to turn to their fringe players for the competition and are expected to field a young side for the match, which must be played by Saturday, November 14.

Reigning champions Concord Rangers will also host Ryman One North opposition in the shape of Harlow Town, as they aim to make it an unprecedented third win in a row.

The last two beaten finalists also meet. Danny Cowley’s Braintree Town, of the National League, travel to Billericay Town, while Basildon United have been handed a stellar tie at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Canvey Island travel to Essex Senior League outfit Barking while East Thurrock United welcome Great Wakering Rovers to Rookery Hill.

Bowers & Pitsea travel to Ilford.

Essex Senior cup third round draw: Grays Athletic v Witham Town, Wivenhoe Town v Heybridge Swifts, Billericay Town v Braintree Town, Halstead Town v Tilbury, Barkingside v Chelmsford City, Waltham Abbey v Romford, Ilford v Bowers and Pitsea, Thurrock v Burnham Ramblers, Maldon and Tiptree v Aveley, Southend United v Redbridge, East Thurrock United v Great Wakering Rovers, Barking v Canvey Island, Concord Rangers v Harlow Town, Brentwood Town v Brightlingsea Regent, Colchester United v AFC Hornchurch, Dagenham and Redbridge v Basildon United.