ZOE Rushen says she cannot wait to go head-to-head with her former club in a bid for silverware tonight.

The Billericay Town Ladies striker will do battle with C&K Basildon Ladies at Bowers & Pitsea’s Len Salmon Stadium in the Women’s Essex Senior Cup final.

And Rushen, who claimed county bragging rights with C&K Basildon in each of the last two campaigns, insists she could not have hoped for better opponents this evening.

Rushen, 30, said: “It does feel a little surreal knowing I’m facing a team that I have won this cup with in previous years, but I am really pleased that both teams have made it to such a special occasion.

“Both sets of girls deserve it for working so hard throughout this season in their respective leagues.

“It will be a pleasure to see some familiar faces and I am looking forward to a competitive match.

“Having won this cup in the past I know how much of an achievement it is and I would love to experience that again on a personal level, but it would be even more special to experience it with Billericay.

“The manager, coaches and girls really deserve it and it would mean so much to the club.”

Rushen made the switch to the AGP Arena from C&K Basildon last summer.

And the former C&K Basildon captain has been in tremendous form since making the move.

Rushen has been a regular name on the scoresheet throughout the campaign and played a key role as Billericay adjusted to life in the FA Women’s National League Division One South East impressively.

Town ensured they will finish the season in the runners-up position after goals from Danica Dougal and Rushen secured a 2-1 win over Cambridge United Women.

And Rushen has been pleased with how her first term at Billericay has panned out.

“It’s been a great first season at Billericay for me personally,” added Rushen.

“Moving to this club allowed me to play my football with less responsibility and with more of a focus on my individual targets.

“It’s been great to play a slightly different role and to express myself more freely on the pitch.

“Confirming the runner-up spot is nothing less than what this team and group of girls deserved.

“It’s been difficult at times to integrate so many new players and coaches but I think everyone adapted well to the changes and really stepped up to the challenge.

“We haven’t quite hit our best yet but everyone seems determined to work hard.”