Blues return to league action tomorrow following an impressive win in the FA Trophy at Felixstowe when they entertain Great Wakering Rovers at Parkside.
Rovers were promoted from the Essex Senior League this season and after a sticky start have seen an improvement in form recently following the appointment of the vastly experienced Gary Kimble as 1st team manager. Impressive wins over Canvey Island and Dereham Town in the league see them sit in tenth place one point above Blues. They also recorded a good win at Romford in the FA Trophy last week and pushed Conference South outfit Wealdstone all the way in The FA Cup finally going down 2-0.
Looking back through the archives shows there have been 11 meetings between the clubs with Blues winning nine, one draw and one defeat. The first meeting was in the now defunct Essex Thameside Trophy Quarter Final back in April 1996 at the Rec, Blues running out 2-1 winners.
Tomorrow will be the first meeting in the Bostik North League since January 2012, Blues winning on that day 1-0 fans favourite Kenny Beaney notching the goal. Of the previous league encounters Blues have won two with just the one defeat .
Blues will go into the game unbeaten in their last four outings and boosted by a great win at Felixstowe & Walton with Joao Carlos back to his sparkling best with two goals - one a sure contender for goal of the season and a fine goal from Adeyinka Cole. The only injury doubt tomorrow is Michael Mignot recovering from a hamstring injury.
Tomorrow should see another tight encounter between clubs both looking to maintain their upturn in form and keen to keep in touch with the play off places