TWO confident sides will be going head-to-head when BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT and STANWAY ROVERS meet in the Red Insure Challenge Cup tonight.

Brightlingsea are flying high in fourth spot in the premier division while resurgent Rovers put recent troubles behind them to thrash Woodbridge 9-1 on Saturday.

Tonight’s first-round showdown is the fourth meeting between the sides this season, with Regent having won both league games 2-1 and also putting Stanway out of the FA Vase, 3-0.

But boss James Webster is expecting a much-tougher contest against a side boosted by new signings since the appointment of manager Angelo Harrop.

“We know from having them watched at the weekend that they’re a much-changed side from our last meeting,” he said.

“They’ve made some big signings from higher-league teams so I think it’s fair to say this will be the toughest of the four games.

“But it’s certainly one the lads are looking forward to and we don’t feel there’s any pressure on us.”

Kevin Hughes, Terry Rymer and James Gregory all return for Regent, having missed Saturday’s 3-1 win at Walsham-le-Willows.

Charlie Thompson and Phil Kelly are both unavailable, though.

In other Thurlow Nunn League news, HALSTEAD TOWN have signed former Heybridge Swifts striker Adam Brotherton.

Boss Mark Benterman said: “Adam is someone I’ve known for years and he’s a huge signing for us - a striker with Ryman League experience.

“He’s hungry and will add another dimension to our game.”

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS have a Ryman One North date at Brentwood.

Ben Newson should be available again and Rhys Morgan returns from suspension.

“It’s a tough game for us, because they’re a young side who like to play in the correct way,” said Swifts boss Mark Hawkes.

“They haven’t got many results due to perhaps not having enough experience in their side, but it will still be a difficult game for us and it’s a tough place to go.

MALDON & TIPTREE entertain Chatham.