HARRY Wheeler is eager to see Billericay Town bounce back to winning ways in front of a bumper crowd this weekend.

Billericay, who are fourth in the National League South standings and pushing for promotion to the top tier of non-league football, welcome table-toppers Torquay United to the AGP Arena tomorrow.

The high-flying visitors are expected to bring scores of supporters to south Essex, but Wheeler hopes his side will be able to quieten the Torquay faithful by bagging all three points.

The Billericay boss said: “Torquay are doing well and they have a very strong team.

“They are top of the league for a reason and it is a great occasion.

“We believe we can match them and I have full confidence in my team.

“But they have a very good manager in Gary Johnson and a great team, so we know it will be a very tough game.”

Billericay head into the top-of-the-table clash having tasted a league defeat for the first time since Wheeler’s return to the helm.

Town suffered a 2-1 loss to local rivals East Thurrock United, who also knocked Billericay out of the Essex Senior Cup at the semi-final stage, last time out.

Adam Coombes’ early goal was cancelled out by Rickie Hayles and the ex-Billericay defender haunted his former club by grabbing the winner.

Wheeler prepared for the encounter at Rookery Hill by watching John Coventry’s Rocks in action against tomorrow’s opponents, Torquay United, four days earlier.

The Gulls came from behind to seal all three points, scoring a last minute winner to break East Thurrock hearts.

However, Torquay struggled to deal with the physicality of East Thurrock’s players and the hosts were unfortunate not to claim at least a share of the spoils.

But Wheeler insists his side will not change their style of play and aim to be more physical this weekend.

“I watched them when they were away to East Thurrock United last Tuesday and they seemed to struggle with the physicality of East Thurrock,” added Wheeler, whose side were unbeaten in seven National League South encounters prior to last weekend.

“But we played the same opposition four days later and we struggled with it as well.

“We both had the same issues against East Thurrock and so I don’t think we will look to target that side of their game.

“I think we will carry on as we have been playing and we need to concentrate on ourselves.

“But, of course, we will show them respect because they are top of the league.”

Billericay are looking to make a major signing before tomorrow’s clash, with Cole Kpekawa also joining from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren last night.

And club owner Glenn Tamplin insists promotion remains the target for the campaign.

“We’re going to push hard for the league title,” said Tamplin.

“Realistically, I think we will get third or fourth place and make sure we get in the play-offs.

“I want a home play-off tie at the very least and I want to miss the first round of the play-offs.

“That is my target and we are more than capable of doing that.”