DARREN Manning is relishing the chance to see his newly-promoted Hullbridge Sports side lock horns with promotion-chasing Coggeshall Town tomorrow.

Sports are enjoying their first ever campaign in the Isthmian North after clinching the Essex Senior League title last term.

Sixth-placed Coggeshall are expected to be among the contenders for promotion to the third tier of non-league football and Manning cannot wait for the clash at the Ryan’s Heating Stadium.

The Hullbridge chief said: “Having claimed the Essex Senior League title last season, this is the kind of game you relish and this is why you fight so hard to win promotion.

“Playing the pre-season favourites to win the title is always exciting because it will allow us to test ourselves and see where we are.

“It will be a big test for us, but that is the case in every game in this division.

“Coggeshall have made a few changes on the players front this week.

“Because of that, we won’t be as sure as we would have been before of who will be in their line-up. It’s a little unknown as to what to expect on that front.”

However, Manning will be hoping for a better performance after seeing his 10th-placed side lose 2-1 at Histon last time out.

“I was disappointed as we let our performance levels drop below our usual standards,” added Manning.

“But that happens in football and we just need to learn and move on, which is what we have done with two good training sessions this week.”