THE first ever ‘Battle of Basildon’ will take place at the Hive on Tuesday night.

Basildon United host Basildon Town in the Essex Thameside Trophy.

And United boss Darren Manning cannot wait for kick off.

“I’m looking forward to the game, we are in a good place at the moment and looking forward to every game,” said Manning.

“This one has that little bit extra when you ask the fans due to the location of the clubs and the history but we will prepare in exactly the same way.

“The players are looking forward to another challenge outside of the league campaign and when it’s a cup game, divisions and league form go out the window.

“It’s a one off game that anyone can take.”

United are currently 13th in Isthmian North having gone five games without defeat.

And Manning is keen for the unbeaten run to carry on.

“We want to keep the winning mentality going,” said Manning.

“That will help us towards our targets in the league over the next seven games too.”

Basildon Town are currently third in Thurlow Nunn League Division South having gone nine games unbeaten.

And boss Marcus Bowers – himself a former Basildon United forward - is relishing the cup contest.

“I’m looking forward to the game,” said Bowers.

“It’s a cup game so for us it’s a nice break from the league where we are on a good run and sitting in a good position.

“We’ve done well in all cup competitions this season which has meant we have played considerably more football this season which has been mentally and physically demanding but the lads have been great and we’ve stuck together through the harder times.

“We’ve shown real togetherness and for me togetherness in any squad is huge.”

But Bowers will not be adding extra significance to the contest.

“This game for me is the same as any other game,” said Bowers.

“I won’t prepare any differently to what I would for any other game.

“I personally don’t see it as a rivalry game purely for the fact this game doesn’t happen often or even ever if my facts are right?

“We know what we are facing and we know it’s going to be a difficult game against a side two leagues above us who are in good form themselves but we will prepare as best we can and we will turn up believing we can get a result.”

And Bowers is excited to be heading back to the Hive.

“On a personal note I look forward to returning to a club that gives me a lot of good memories which will never be forgotten,” said Bowers.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the loyal fans the club has and it should make an interesting local derby between these two great clubs.”

Tuesday night's match kicks off at 7.45pm.