BASILDON United boss John Sussex will do battle with some familiar faces tonight.

The Bees are set to welcome Tilbury, managed by former Basildon chief Marc Harrison, to the Cousins Car Wash Stadium for an Isthmian League Cup group stage clash.

And Sussex, who is a former Tilbury reserves chief, is preparing his side for a physical battle.

Sussex said: “With the likes of Brian Moses, George Sykes, Darren Phillips and Tommy Barton, they have to be the biggest side in the Isthmian North.

“They are very physical and have some good players.

“I know the club very well having worked there for four years and I am good friends with Marc Harrison and assistant manager Liam Wallace.

“There is a close association between the two teams because obviously Marc and Liam were in charge here before and a lot of the players have played for both sides.”

Prior to taking charge of the Bees in March, Sussex was on the backroom staff at the Cousins Car Wash Stadium at the start of last season.

Sussex was among the Basildon coaches during Harrison’s reign and he is eager to enjoy a victory over his close friends.

“I know how competitive they are,” added Sussex.

“They are born winners and I still speak to Liam on a regular basis.

“They will not make it easy for us.

“I know that they will play to win and so will we.”

Sussex is expected to make numerous changes to the side which suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Histon on Saturday.

Ed Rolph scored a late winner as the Bees were beaten.

And, although Sussex is eager to get back to winning ways tonight, he admitted the Isthmian League Cup is not among his priorities.

“We have got to be competitive and we are looking to win every game we are in,” insisted Sussex.

“However, we have a big FA Cup first qualifying round tie against Coggeshall Town coming up on Saturday, so I don’t want to risk anyone.

“I will pick the strongest available team, provided they are fit.”

Clarke Bogard, who counts Tilbury among his former clubs, will start between the sticks for Basildon.