BRETT Munyard insists White Ensign will not be fazed when they go into tonight’s Essex Senior Cup third round clash with East Thurrock United.

The Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior Football League Division One South high-flyers will go head-to-head with Rocks, who are four tiers above them, at Rookery Hill.

But Munyard believes his side thrives when they are seen as underdogs.

The White Ensign player-manager said: “Being seen as underdogs will certainly not faze us tonight.

“We are quite used to being the underdogs in matches and I think we have surprised many people once again this season.

“I think the lads relish being the underdogs because it’s added motivation to prove themselves. We are always extremely confident.”

White Ensign currently find themselves in third place in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior Football League Division One South standings, while East Thurrock are in the National League South relegation zone.

And Munyard, whose side will go into the cup tie having claimed a 4-2 win over Hackney Wick last time out, is aware White Ensign must be at their best in order to emerge victorious.

Munyard added: “There is no pressure on us tonight.

“It’s almost a free hit for us and a wonderful opportunity for everyone to show what we can do.

“However, I wouldn’t say we are confident we are going to get the result we want because we are playing a team four divisions above us away from home, so we know it would take something incredible to achieve a positive result.

“But we will approach the game in exactly the same as any other.

“We will try to attack at all opportunities and do our best to keep our identity throughout the game.”

East Thurrock boss John Coventry has made four signings ahead of the clash, with former Canvey Island central defender Steve Sheehan one of those to make the move following Rocks’ struggles.

But Munyard believes the hosts’ league position will make no difference in the Essex Senior Cup meeting.

Munyard admitted: “I don’t think it matters whether they are near the top or bottom - the challenge is exactly the same and it’s going to be the toughest game of players’ careers.

“Regardless of the outcome, it’s vital the team learns from it and enjoys it.

“Games like this don’t come around too often for a club like White Ensign, but we are determined to do our club proud.”