IT is derby day in the Essex Senior League as Basildon United welcome Hullbridge Sports to the Stuart Bingham Stadium.

Basildon are growing in confidence while Sports, second in the league, have struggled in recent weeks, losing to bottom side Burnham Ramblers on Tuesday.

“I am looking forward to the challenge,” said Basildon manager Aaron Bloxham. “Rob (Hodgson) is doing an excellent job there and Hullbridge often seem to go unnoticed in the league.

“We need to stop some of their key players and if we do we stand a chance. We are clear underdogs and all the pressure will be on them after their defeat to Burnham.

Basildon could be without some key players with Taylor Sinfield, Hamid Zamani, John-Joe Slater and Alfie Lindfield all rated 50/50.

Nathan Dewberry will miss out although Joe Gilbert, Jamie Brown and Jim Paterson return.

Southend Manor’s focus is on the FA Vase as they bid to continue their recent good form at home against Canning Town.

And boss Stuart Marshall has faith in his players.

“We put in a good second-half performance against Stansted (3-1 win),” he said. “Not one team is taking control of the league so a run could be significant.

“The FA Vase is a potential banana-skin as everyone expects us to win but from reports I have had this will be a tough game. We need to perform as it is winnable.”

Eamon Payne and Aundre Spencer are banned and Lee Rome injured. Danny Okah returns.