GOALKEEPER Sam Cowler is standing by for his Brightlingsea Regent debut.

The former West Ham youth-teamer is set to start in tonight’s Ryman League north division showdown at home to title-chasing Thurrock.

Cowler has been snapped up as a replacement for Ollie Bowles, who played his last game for the club on Saturday after being recalled by parent club Concord Rangers.

“We’re really pleased to have Sam on board,” said delighted Brightlingsea boss James Webster.

“I’ve seen him a couple of times this season and he’s been very impressive.

“He’s a professional lad with a great attitude and, after being the back-up keeper at other higher-placed clubs, he’s really keen to get playing again.

“He wants to make a name for himself and progress back up the pyramid.

“It’s been a case of ‘right time, right place’ both for him and us, after losing Ollie.”

Cowler played his youth football for Frinton and Walton and went on to represent the likes of Barnet, Bishop’s Stortford and, more recently, Heybridge Swifts.

The 23-year-old took part in the warm-up and was an unused substitute for Regent in Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Romford.

Meanwhile, tonight’s showdown pits two in-form sides against each other, at North Road (kick-off 7.45pm).

Both Regent and Thurrock are unbeaten in five, winning on four occasions, and both have promotion in their sights.

Thurrock are fourth while Brightlingsea climbed to eighth - three points behind fifth-placed Tilbury - as a result of Saturday’s victory.

“Romford were tough opposition - you never know what you’re going to get from them - so it was a hard-fought victory at the weekend,” added Webster.

“We’ve now got two more very tough fixtures, against Thurrock and Cray Wanderers, and it’s good to go into them in form.”

Regent will be Shamido Pedulu as the wide man, struggling with a knee injury, had to be substituted again in the Romford game.

“He just needs to rest it and let the injury heal, even if that means him not playing for two or three weeks,” said Webster.

“Shammy definitely won’t feature and we’ll also give a late fitness test to Phil Kelly.

“Phil’s in great form, scoring four goals in our last three games, but he’s struggling with a groin injury.”

Elsewhere, MALDON & TIPTREE’S north division match at Thamesmead Town - due to take place last night - had to be postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

The Jammers’ game at home to AFC Sudbury, called off at the weekend, has now been rearranged for Tuesday, February 9.