RYAN Sammons is aiming to create more Essex Senior Cup memories when he goes head-to-head with his former club tonight.

Bowers & Pitsea welcome East Thurrock United to the Len Salmon Stadium for a quarter-final tie, with Sammons coming up against Rocks having spent a decade at Rookery Hill.

And the full-back, who started in the competition’s final when Rocks suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelmsford City in 2017, admitted it will be an odd feeling when he targets a place in the semi-finals at East Thurrock’s expense.

“It’s going to be really strange playing against East Thurrock,” said Sammons.

“I spent 10 years with the club and I’m looking forward to going head-to-head with them.

“The Essex Senior Cup is a competition I did well in during my last couple of seasons with East Thurrock.

“I played in the final when we lost to Chelmsford two years ago and we made the semi-finals last year. I know Covo (manager John Coventry) has taken a bigger interest in the competition in the last couple of years and they will want to win, but we want to win as well.”

Sammons has made 29 appearances as Bowers have raced to the top of the Isthmian North standings.

The right-back has played a key role as Bowers have kept 14 clean sheets in league and cup this term.

And Sammons is expecting a difficult test against an East Thurrock side who are unbeaten in three outings.

“It will be a very tough game,” added the 30-year-old.

“East Thurrock have never had a big squad so they will only be able to make one or two changes.

“They’re a good side and although they haven’t been doing too well in the league this season, it’s important to remember that it is the National League South.

“We still respect the fact that they have good players and we’re under no illusions as to the fact it will be difficult.

“But we want to progress in the competition and it would be great to reach the semi-finals.”

East Thurrock sealed their fifth win of the National League South season as they registered a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Gloucester City.

And despite leaving just a matter of months ago, Sammons admitted there will be more familiar faces supporting Rocks than on the pitch.

“I think 14 or 15 players left last year, so there won’t be many of my former team-mates on the pitch,” confirmed Sammons.

“But it will be nice to see the usual faces in the crowd.”