HULLBRIDGE Sports boss Darren Manning insists he is not daunted by facing a free-scoring Maldon & Tiptree side this weekend.

The Jammers, who saw their eye-catching FA Cup run come to an end in front of the BBC television cameras against League Two side Newport County seven days ago, will make the trip to the Ryan’s Heating Stadium tomorrow.

And Manning is relishing the challenge of taking on the promotion favourites, who have already scored 92 goals in all competitions this season.

“I’m not daunted by the challenge at all,” said Manning.

“These are the games we worked so hard last season to achieve promotion for.

“At the end of the day, it will be 11 versus 11 and we will be doing all we can to get a positive result.

“They have had an unbelievable start to the season so we are under no illusions as to how tough it’s going to be.

“But if you don’t believe in your own ability, there is no point playing the game.”

Maldon reached the second round of the FA Cup before an injury time winner from Newport’s Padraig Amond knocked Wayne Brown’s side out of the competition last week.

And Manning believes the Jammers’ extensive run has put non-league football back on the map.

“Their achievements in the FA Cup have been brilliant,” added Manning.

“They have done the Isthmian North and non-league in general extremely proud.

“But, most importantly, they have shown what a good group of players they are and really put themselves in the shop window.”

While Maldon have scored 92 goals this term, Hullbridge have found the back of the net just 24 times and Manning wants his side to be more clinical.

“We have had a really good week of training,” admitted Manning.

“We’ve been refining certain points and working on certain phases and situations, which has been really pleasing.

“But it means nothing if we don’t take that onto the pitch this weekend.”