SOUTHEND Manor, Hullbridge Sports and Basildon United will be determined to continue their FA Cup journeys this weekend, albeit both face tough tests.

Manor host Gorleston, Sports face a trip to St Margaretsbury on Sunday, while Basildon travel to Great Yarmouth Town in the preliminary round of the competition.

Stuart Marshall’s Manor have enjoyed a strong start to the season, despite going down 1-0 against Takeley on Wednesday following a 90th minute winner.

But Marshall remains upbeat and has backed his team to bounce back in the FA Cup.

“It was a bad result but a good performance,” admitted the Manor chief.

“We were the better side for 80 minutes and we massively let Takeley off the hook.

“But we will look to hit back tomorrow and start a good run.”

Manor may be without Callum Jex, who could miss up to a month with a groin strain.

The Southchurch Park outfit have also signed John-Jo Slater.

However, Gorleston, who progressed at Basildon’s expense in last season’s FA Vase, have also looked strong at the start of the Eastern Counties Premier League season - winning three from four matches.

Basildon are unbeaten in five matches at the start of term, including three straight wins in the Essex Senior League.

They needed a replay to get past Walsham le Willows in the extra-preliminary round, while Great Yarmouth eased through - 5-0 winners against Diss Town.

Great Yarmouth sit 16th at the start of the season, and manager Marc Harrison says his team are looking forward to the challenge.

“It will be a challenge but one we are looking forward to,” he said. “We believe we can be competitive in this match and give them a tough task.

“We are looking to be more consistent in what we are doing and I am focusing on getting the processes and methods right.”

Marcus Bowers, Jamie Selby-Knight and Jack Renew return.

Hullbridge Sports take on St Margaretsbury on Sunday afternoon.

Sports were emphatic winners in the last round and will be looking to book a place in the first qualifying round.

Great Wakering Rovers are not in action this weekend.

Rovers beat Wadham Lodge 5-0 on Wednesday.