Bowers are a side already competing in the division and make the trip to Ilford tonight (Wednesday) to face them in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup.

And ahead of this evenings clash, the Foxes boss has praised the Len Salmon Stadium outfit and their manager.

Fenn said: “We are looking forward to the match. It is a fantastic competition and I was fortunate enough to be invited for the draw.

“I picked Bowers out of the hat so I am to blame for the tie! But teams like Bowers and people like Rob Small, their manager, are why I got back into management.

“They are a good club run by good people. Rob is a great young manager that has achieved a lot already in the game and I have so much respect for him and the way he does things.”

It has been honours even this season between the two teams with Ilford coming out on top in the FA Cup back in August.

Bowers responded with a 4-1 triumph in the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy on October 6 against a weakened Foxes side, however, to set this tie up nicely.

Whoever does make it through to the fourth round could be drawn against Football League opposition.

That is a massive carrot for Fenn, he added: “On a playing front it will be a very interesting game.

“We beat them 1-0 in the FA Cup when we had a full squad and a game plan and we lost 4-1 when we didn’t have everybody fit so I think it will be a really good match.

“I hope conditions don’t play a part. With the teams that are still in the competition we are realistic enough to know we aren’t going to win the Essex Senior Cup.

“But if we manage to put in a fantastic performance against Bowers and win then we would love to be drawn against one of the Football League clubs. First things first we have the little matter of getting past Bowers!”

George Sessions
Ilford Recorder