ESSEX Leopards skipper Carl Josey has urged his team to remain focused when they host Bristol Academy Flyers in Division One of the English Basketball League this weekend.

The Big Cats endured a mixed double header last weekend, losing against Leeds Carnegie before beating Bradford Dragons.

And Josey wants the fourth placed Leopards to be at their best at the Brentwood Centre.

“This weekend we have to be focused even though Bristol currently sit below us in the table,” said Josey.

“We should have had two wins this past weekend but only walked away with one which was disappointing to be honest.

“The league title is up for grabs and we have to take each game at a time but we must take care of teams below us.”

The Flyers head in to the game third from bottom in the table with six defeats from their eight league games so far this season.

However, Josey is certain they will still be tough opponents on Sunday.

“It won’t be an easy game because Bristol are a well established club who are just having a poor run at the moment,” said Josey.

“That said I expect Bristol to come out well structured and to play hard, so we can't afford to have lapses on either end of the floor if we are to come out on top and win.”

Sunday’s match tips off at 3pm and Leopards will also be fresher than expected for the game.

The Big Cats had been due to visit Medway Park Crusaders tomorrow but the game has been postponed by England Basketball following a decision made by the competitions’ committee.

It has yet to be decided if and when the match will be rearranged.