HULLBRIDGE Sports’ FA Cup extra preliminary round tie with Stanway Rovers will bring back happy memories, according to boss Darren Manning.

Sports clinched the Essex Senior League title by beating Stanway on the final day of last season.

And Manning is expecting Stanway to be fired up for tomorrow’s clash at the Ryan’s Heating Stadium.

“We have good memories from the last time we played Stanway,” said Manning.

“It was fantastic to clinch the title on the last day of the season.

“But they will have a bit of fire in their bellies after seeing us lift the trophy.

“They are a much-changed team and have recruited very well.

“We’re under no illusions heading into the game.”

This weekend’s encounter will also be Hullbridge’s first competitive outing since being crowned the Essex Senior League champions.

And Manning is pleased to have completed Sports’ pre-season programme.

“I can’t wait for us to be back in competitive action,” added Manning.

“In all honesty, I hate pre-season because the games are all a bit of a nonsense.

“You don’t take any notice of results and you are continuously rotating players so they can get minutes on the pitch.

“The pre-season games are like extended training sessions, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”