SOUTHEND Manor manager Stuart Marshall believes the next two games against Hullbridge Sports and Basildon United could define their season.

Manor lie second in the standings, three points off leaders Barking having played three games more, although suffered a rare defeat in their last game - a 2-0 loss to Ilford in the Challenge Cup.

But manager Stuart Marshall is not concerned at the defeat and says this is a big period for the team.

“I am fine with the defeat as I made 13 changes to the squad,” he said. “We have two massive games coming up and I think they will go a long way to defining our season. We are full of confidence at the moment and four points in these two games would be a good return.”

Manor will be without the suspended Robbie Norris.

Sports are sixth in the league and have picked up some form recently, winning the last three in league and cup without conceding a goal.

However, Hullbridge will be without player/manager Rob Hodgson, out until the New Year after sustaining ankle ligament damage. and Harry Hart will also miss out but, aside from that, Sports have a full squad to choose from.

There is nothing to separate Basildon United and FC Romania in the standings ahead of kick-off.

Both are on 39 points, although Romania have played three more games.

The Bees are without Joe Robbins, Taylor Sinfield, George Whitby and Joe Skeels.

Ayoola Adedoyin is suspended while Yaw Danso, Jamie Brown and Churchill Chai-Titor are all rated 50/50. Mitchell Evans is recalled to the squad.