GREAT Wakering Rovers boss Marcus Bowers insists his side remain fully focused on their Essex Senior League campaign – despite the excitement surrounding their FA Vase run.

Wakering have made it through to the quarter-finals of the national competition.

But promotion still remains the number one target and Bowers is looking forward to taking on table-topping Tilbury at Burroughs Park on Tuesday night.

“Our main focus has always been the league so we are fully focused on that,” said Bowers.

“Of course it’s tough but the league is our bread and butter so any thoughts of the Vase have to be put to one side for another 10 days as we have some important games to play before it.”

Wakering host Falmouth Town in the FA Vase a week on Saturday but Bowers is keeping his focus on facing Tilbury.

The Dockers sit 11 points clear at the top of the table.

But Bowers cannot wait for kick-off.

“I’m very much looking forward to the game,” said Bowers.

“We have played two league games in 2024 so the lads are ready and waiting to get back to league business after recent postponements.

“We know that Tuesday doesn’t come tougher than playing Tilbury.

“I know Marc (Harrison) and Liam (Wallace) very well and I know they have a top side over there so we know we have to be fully at the races to get a result.

“But I’m confident the lads will give everything for the club.”

Bowers added to his squad ahead of the weekend by bringing in highly rated Southend United youngster Beau MacDonald on loan.

And Bowers is pleased to have the attacking midfielder on board.

“I’ve been tracking Beau for a while and been in contact with Danny Heath (Blues’ youth coach) for a while,” said Bowers.

“We managed to get him over the line last week and we was going to use him in our cup game against Buckhurst Hill but he got a late call-up to go with the first team.

“He will be in a Rovers shirt soon and I’m looking forward to playing a small part in his promising career.”

Rovers go into tomorrow evening’s clash sitting ninth in the table with games in hand on all the teams above them.

Elsewhere in the Essex Senior League, eighth-placed Hullbridge Sports are at home to Little Oakley who are 13th.

In the Isthmian Premier Division, Concord Rangers – who sit 20th – host league leaders Hornchurch, while in Isthmian North, sixth-placed Basildon United go to ninth-placed Walthamstow.