NEIL Blackburn will be eager to secure his first win as manager of Basildon United when a former Bees boss visits the Ho Ho Stadium tomorrow.

Marc Harrison’s Tilbury will make the short trip to Basildon for a local derby.

And Blackburn is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s always nice when a manager goes back to his former club,” said Blackburn.

“I hope Marc gets the reception he deserves from the Basildon fans and we know it is going to be a tough game.

“They will come to us with a lot of confidence, but I’m expecting us to play at a high tempo and hopefully we will get a reaction after the defeat to Barking last week.”

The Bees secured a 2-0 friendly victory over Burnham Ramblers in midweek having suffered three defeats on the spin since Blackburn’s appointment.

And although Tilbury will travel to the Ho Ho Stadium in impressive form - having climbed one place above Basildon into 10th in the Isthmian North standings - Blackburn is keen to see off Harrison, who is a friend away from the pitch.

“They are in good form but I’m not really thinking about that,” added the Bees boss.

“I am just focused on our squad and how we can counter-act their threats.

“We are working hard to stop the mistakes we have been making in recent games, but we all know that no-one goes out onto the pitch looking to make a mistake.

“Confidence is high in the camp despite the results and it’s important that we start picking up points again.”