STEVE Butterworth is set to name a full-strength side for Great Wakering Rovers’ Thameside Trophy first round tie with Ilford.

Wakering were without a fixture at the weekend and used the time to go on a team bonding trip to the award-winning Nuclear Races obstacle course in Brentwood.

And Butterworth is hoping the outing pays dividends.

“We had a little team bonding session at Nuclear Races,” said the Wakering player-manager.

“There was 16 of us there and it was enjoyable, with no-one coming away with injuries.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we are near the bottom of the most players used statistics for the Isthmian North this season.

“I haven’t been making many changes for each game and it bodes well.

“We have a tight-knit bunch of players, which is what I wanted in pre-season.”

Wakering will welcome Essex Senior League outfit Ilford to Burroughs Park, with the winners of the tie going onto visit East Thurrock United in the second round of the competition.

And Butterworth is keen to make sure his Isthmian North side will progress with a home victory.

“We will go full-strength because we didn’t have a game over the weekend,” added Butterworth.

“Usually, these games would probably be used to give players who haven’t been involved recently some minutes on the pitch.

“But it’s important for the players to get minutes into their legs ahead of going to Histon on Saturday.”