ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE: Bowers & Pitsea will be looking to close the gap at the top of the table when they travel to Southend Manor tomorrow.

Rob Small’s team have found themselves under pressure from Sawbridgeworth Town at the top in recent weeks, although they did set up an Essex Senior league round four tie with Brentwood Town in the Essex Senior Cup on Wednesday - beating Ilford 3-0.

But they have been boosted by the signing of former Thurrock and Tilbury defender Aaron Waters, inset, and he will go straight into the squad for the derby.

However, Jamie Salmon, Luca Frankis and Frank Everitt will all miss out through injury.

Manor sit 14th and have been playing well in recent weeks. After beating Burnham Ramblers away from home last weekend Wayne Seal’s side were narrowly edged out by league leaders Sawbridgeworth Town on Tuesday night.

And he will hope for an immediate response against a Bowers team fancied to win promotion this season.

Although they have a lengthy absentee list as well - Joe Phillips, Ed Johns, Dave Arthur, Dan Garrod, Ross Casson, Dave Reynolds and Jeff Okirie. They have also lost top scorer Rhys Fatt after injuring his hamstring in the week.

Basildon United could leapfrog Bowers if results go their way, and they are strongly expected to continue their recent ascent at lowly Enfield 1893.

Bees have won 10 of their 12 league games so far and beat fifth-placed Wadham Lodge in a 4-3 thriller last week, as Fahad Nyanja netted a last minute winner.

However they are missing three players - Pete Warner, Aldeberto Pinto, Ben Sartain - through suspension. George Light also misses out with a calf injury.

Hullbridge Sports host Barking, knowing a win will see them climb above this weekend’s opponents.

Rob Hodgson’s team drew 0-0 with Takeley in the week but will be hopeful of a response in what will be Sports’ first home game in three weeks.