STANWAY ROVERS boss Kem Izzet wants his players to strike a balance between hard graft and quality in tonight’s derby against WIVENHOE TOWN.

The Thurlow Nunn League neighbours are set to meet in an eagerly-awaited premier division showdown at The Hawthorns (kick-off 7.45pm).

It will be Izzet’s first experience of the north Essex duel, having been appointed in May.

But having enjoyed a highly successful career in the professional game, he knows exactly what it takes to win derby matches and emerge with the bragging rights.

First and foremost, we have to work hard and make sure we deal with the intensity levels any derby brings,” said the Colchester United legend.

“But it’s also important we get the ball down, play how we want to play and impose our style on Wivenhoe.

“It’s about striking a balance between the two.

“A strong work ethic is essential in this kind of match but there also needs to be some quality.

“We need to play on the front foot and give them something to think about.

“It’s a big derby and I can understand why it means so much to people within the Stanway and Wivenhoe camps.

“But I’m trying to approach it as just another game – as another opportunity to produce a positive performance and another opportunity to take three points.”

Stanway bowed out of the FA Vase last weekend, exiting at the second qualifying round stage after a 2-1 defeat at Halstead Town.

However, prior to that they had won their two league matches in a row – keeping clean sheets in both.

“The Vase result was disappointing but not the performance,” he said.

“It would be wrong to say we dominated but we certainly had spells where we were on top.

“The problem is that we didn’t make them count, despite creating numerous chances.

“We didn’t work their goalkeeper enough and that’s what frustrated me most.

“When we’re in control, we have to make sure we punish teams and take our chances.

“We want to progress in all competitions so it was disappointing to lose, but if we produce a similar performance tonight we’ll stand a very good chance.”

Izzet believes his players are making steady progress after a challenging start to the season.

“The group are learning all the time and, while it’s been a gradual process, I’m certainly seeing progression,” he said.

“That’s especially been the case in the last month and when you’re working with a group of players you see things that others possibly don’t.

“Generally speaking, I’m happy with the way things are going.

“There’s a decent blend of players and while I’d still like to add one or two more, I’m sure every team in the league would say the same thing.

“Our performances are getting better and when that happens, results follow.

“That’s why we’ve won our last two league games and hopefully we can make it three tonight.”