BOWERS & Pitsea visit Heybridge Swifts in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup tonight in what promises to be a hugely entertaining tie.

While Rob Small’s team six fifth in the Isthmian North, there are fewer teams in non-league football with a record currently as good as Heybridge.

Although 10th in the league, Swifts have won seven of eight matches and have only fallen behind their peers due to ongoing cup commitments.

An FA Cup first round appearance, and still going strong in the FA Trophy and Velocity Trophy, Swifts have beat a staggering four teams in higher divisions already this season.

Winners in all nine home matches so far this term Swifts are undoubted favourites, but Bowers are a tough nut to crack - and come into the tie having had a weekend off.

Canvey Island welcome Romford in a fourth round tie bidding to reach the last eight of the competition.

Beaten by Basildon United at this stage last season, the Gulls will fancy their chances of progression.

Danny Heale’s table-topping team face a Romford side the other end of the standings - bottom of the Isthmian North after 16 matches.

However, consecutive draws against two of the division’s top four has boosted morale.

And Danny Heale is not expecting an easy route to the quarter-finals.

“I was away when we played them at home in the league,” said the Canvey boss. “We won the match 1-0 but I know it could have gone either way. We will not underestimate Romford as they have picked up some good results in recent weeks, despite their league position.

“But we are in a good space as well. We will rotate, although we only have four spare outfield players so there won’t be too many changes.

“But there are no weak links in the team and they all want to be involved. We have to keep people ticking over.

Midfielder Ryan Melaugh misses out with a hamstring strain.