BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small says he is embracing the title of “favourites” heading into tonight’s Essex Senior League derby with Basildon United.

The two rivals clash at the Len Salmon Stadium, with both sides coming into the match off the back of impressive weekend wins.

Bowers head into the match as favourites, having played two fewer matches but with two more points on the board than their rivals.

But Small, who oversaw the 4-0 FA Vase win on Saturday, said he was not taking the Bees lightly.

“We know this will be a tricky match,” said Small. “I am happy to go into it as favourites because if we can match Basildon’s desire I believe we will have the quality to win the game.

“I respect them, as I respect all teams, and I don’t think league position comes into this match. It will be down to who wants it more and we have to make sure that is us.”

Bowers will be without skipper Scott Pethers and Aaron Russell (both ankle) for the clash.

Bees manager Craig Gillam said he was under no illusions how difficult the match would be, but said his side were capable of taking something from the encounter.

“It is going to be tough,” said Gillam. “Bowers are one of the best teams in the division and look very well organised under Rob. They have good depth going forward but we will go into it like we do all of our games and play our own game.

“They have struggled in the league of late so it is our job to continue where we left off on Saturday and show what we can do.”

The Bees won their first match since August on Saturday, coming from behind to beat Enfield 1893 in the League Challenge Cup.

And the new boss said he was delighted with his first win in charge.

“The boys were absolutely buzzing,” he said, after two George Whitby goals won the match. “The whole squad gave 120 per cent and it was great to see. The squad has always been good but maybe they needed a little boost after a bad run of results.”

Gillam confirmed his squad would be swelled by the return of Loranzo Ramsay, Jordan Williams, Alfie Hilton and Jimmy Cox ahead of the game although Ellis Skidmore and Russell Harley were out of the derby.