FA VASE: Hullbridge Sports, Bowers & Pitsea and Basildon United are putting their Essex Senior League commitments on hold this week as focus turns to the FA Vase.

Sports arguably have the toughest of the assignments against Norwich United who currently top the Eastern Counties Football League and are unbeaten in 17 league matches.

But Sports boss Rob Hodgson says his side should not be underestimated.

“We have by far the toughest draw of all the local clubs that are still in the FA Vase, but it is what it is and we will prepare as we always do,” he said.

“Norwich are doing very well at the moment, but it's a cup match and anything can happen on the day. We seem to suit the role of underdog and I know the boys will be up for the game, we've caused upsets in previous and we beat Maldon & Tiptree in the FA Cup this season, so we can beat anyone on our day and I'm sure Norwich didn't relish getting us out of the hat.

Sports will be without Kieran Offord although assistant manager Aaron Hunwicks will fill in.

Hodgson also backed Bowers & Pitsea to come through their home tie with Flackwell Heath, who beat them in the competition last year.

Flackwell are sitting in third place in the Hellenic Premier League and have only lost three times in 18 matches so far this season.

But Bowers are also third and will provide the sternest of tests for the north Londoners.

Ross Adams (suspended) and Jamie Salmon (injury) miss out but Chris Bryan returns.

Basildon United host United Counties Premier League strugglers Northampton Sileby Rangers in a game they will be favourite to win.

The Bees have won 12 of 14 league games and beat table-topping Sawbridgeworth Town on Tuesday to strengthen their title bid.

Boss Craig Gillam is without Justin Maynard, Eden Nelson, Pete Warner, George Light and Grant Hayward.

The winners will receive £1,000.

Southend Manor travel to fifth-placed Wadham Lodge in the Essex Senior League, as they look to stop the rot of three successive defeats, albeit all those matches were against sides in the top six.