AFC Sudbury entertain unbeaten Bowers & Pitsea at King’s Marsh Stadium tomorrow afternoon, writes Darren Theobald

After a slow pre-season programme, Mark Morsley’s side been raising a few eyebrows in recent matches.

They defeated Tilbury in some style, before an injury-time defeat against Heybridge Swifts. The team have progressed in both FA and League cup and Monday’s high octane match against Mildenhall Town, which ended three goals apiece.

It has the fans eager for tomorrow afternoon’s encounter with Bowers & Pitsea.

AFC Sudbury go into the weekend almost injury free with only new signing Paul Hayes likely to start from the bench.

He’s recovering from a slight calf strain.

AFC Sudbury manager Morsley is looking forward to the weekend.

“We will face many tough challenges this season with Saturday’s game right up there in my opinion,” he said.

“I know many people have been speaking about Heybridge as championship favourites but for me Bowers & Pitsea should not be discounted.

“In fact when you bear in mind that they have not lost a game in any competition including pre-season so far, it tells a story.

“They will probably feel they should have gone up last season as runners-up, having been in that position for most of the season, but unfortunately for them the dreaded play-off ended their promotion hopes.

“Well financed and clearly a club going places it is another test for us and I have to say one that I am really looking forward to.”

Morsley added: “Although disappointed to concede a late leveller at Mildenhall on Monday I was very pleased with the flare and passion we played with which really should have given us the win.

“However, Hall’s second and third goals were conceded in a way that kept the coaching staff busy at training this week and once that has been taken on board we can continue with our development as an established Step 4 club.”

Hayes continues to recover from a slight strain. With extended three-year contracts for Joe Whight and Billy Holland signed last week, the club continues to build a squad with a big future.

Tomorrow is a double header with AFC Sudbury U17’s taking on ITFC U16’s straight after the Bostik North match with a 5pm KO.