Brightlingsea United are looking to put their Jewson League form behind them tonight (Tuesday) and record a derby win against neighbours Stanway.

A dismal run of results have left the Oystermen stranded just one place off the bottom of the division one table -- just three points above basement dwellers March Town United.

But, encouraged by the dedication and committment of his troops in recent weeks, Wood is hoping his side can turn a corner and start afresh against Rovers.

The caretaker-boss, who was number two to Ken Ballard before he left North Road for Wivenhoe, said: "It's nice that this is a cup game, so we can forget our league position and the pressures of having to get three points.

"Everyone at the club is looking forward to the game because it will be a big test, with the added spice of being a local derby.

"We've tended to play better against Stanway in recent seasons. They're usually tight games and the fact we're near the bottom of the league and they're near the top counts for nothing.

"There's a big incentive for us to win. Hopefully if we get the right result it will help us turn a corner and provide a springboard for the coming Jewson League fixtures."

The match provides Brightlingsea with an early chance to pit themselves against former player Duncan Jackson.

Jackson was signed by the Oystermen from Stanway in the summer -- before moving back to The Hawthorns earlier this month.

Wood, who played for Stanway when they were a Border League premier division side, said: "Duncan's a very dependable player. His attitude is spot on and you know you're never going to get any trouble from him.

"I know most of their players reasonably well and also their manager, Steve Ball."

Wood, who has not applied for the vacant manager's job at North Road, has no injury worries ahead of tonight's (Tuesday's) game.

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