BEN Sartain is hoping a positive cup run can help Bowers & Pitsea enjoy the kind of success the team had back in 2015/16.

Bowers’ run to the FA Vase semi-final that season helped inspire them to win the Essex Senior League.

Sartain, 23, was playing for Bowers’ close rivals Basildon United at the time, although the midfielder admits he couldn’t fail to be impressed by the progress of the Bees’ neighbours.

Bowers came calling for Sartain last summer, and he enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season - making 45 appearances and scoring nine goals.

And he wants to enjoy more of the same this time around, as Bowers look to get the better of Haringey Borough in the preliminary round of the FA Cup tomorrow.

“I have never had a good cup run and I would like to get through these early rounds and see what we can achieve,” said Sartain, who lives in Basildon.

“I was at Basildon when Bowers were on their good run in the FA Vase and they went on to win the league.

“I don’t want to get carried away and say the same will happen again but we can only try our best.”

Haringey finished one place about Bowers in the Isthmian North standings last season, having pipped them to the Essex Senior League title the season before.

And Sartain is looking forward to a similarly close encounter tomorrow at the Len Salmon Stadium, although he denies that it will be a grudge match.

“I wouldn’t say it was a grudge match but they did beat us to the play-offs last year,” he said.

“We had some really good games with them last season and it should be another good one tomorrow.

“The FA Cup is an important competition for us and we want to get through this match.”

Sartain impressed for Bowers last season.

But he insists he is not resting on his laurels.

“Last season was my first at this level and I am pleased with how it went, but now I want to achieve more,” he added.

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THE PREVIEW: Bowers & Pitsea return to FA Cup preliminary round action tomorrow looking to match their best ever run in the competition.

Rob Small’s team reached the first qualifying round in their Essex Senior League days in 2014, while Borough have qualified in the last two seasons.

Bowers face a tough test in their bid to match that feat, with Isthmian North rivals Haringey Borough the visitors to the Len Salmon Stadium.

Haringey beat Bowers to the league title in 2016 and pipped them to a play-off place last year, although Bowers did win their home fixture against Borough last season.

With prize money up for grabs, both will be gunning to progress tomorrow.

MEN TO WATCH: Haringey Borough have former Billericay striker Chris Benjamin in their ranks, while Bowers could hand a start to striker Vlad Sighiartau.

WHEN & WHERE: Tomorrow at 3pm. The Len Salmon Stadium, Crown Avenue, Pitsea, SS13 2BE

WHAT THE BOSS SAID: “The FA Cup is always a big competition for non-league clubs,” said Bowers boss Rob Small.

“There were only six teams in the draw we could have been paired with that finished higher then us last season.

“And, of course, we were bound to pull one of those six out. Haringey Borough pipped us to the Essex Senior League title in 2016 and then to the league play-off places last season. We very much want to progress.”

TEAM NEWS: Bowers will be without striker Lewis Manor for the clash, with the striker on holiday. The forward has scored three goals in two matches so far this season.