ADAM Cunnington has urged Billericay Town to give their league run-in hopes a real shot in the arm by winning the Essex Senior Cup tonight.

The 30-year-old striker is looking to earn a place in the starting line-up against current holders Chelmsford City at Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Although a division below the National League South side, Billericay have won on five occasions against teams from the second tier of non-league football this season.

And Cunnington, who has scored 25 goals this term, says victory in the showpiece occasion would be great for the club.

“It is an exciting occasion for us all,” said the striker. “We have a few games to catch up on in the league and it is nice to be able to change our focus briefly.

“This is something we can look forward to and it’s a chance to go out and express ourselves. We are under pressure in the league and it would be great to boost our morale ahead of the run-in with victory in a cup final.”

Billericay play six games in the next 11 days following a number of postponements in recent months.

But Town will face no such problems on Colchester’s pitch and Cunnington says he and the team will take confidence from a fine run of form against teams in higher divisions this season.

“The pitch has caused us a few issues recently and we have a chance to play some football tonight,” he said. “It’s a nice ground and a good occasion.

“However, it will be very difficult. The majority of us will know some of their players and their manager [Rod Stringer]. I used to play with a few of their guys so I know about them and we know it will be tough.

“But we have done well against sides in higher divisions and we take confidence from that. No-one wants to lose in a final.

“We got an important league win last Thursday and we feel in a good place ahead of this match now.”