Three Essex Senior Cup fourth round ties highlighted the local soccer scene last evening.

Schweppes Essex Senior League Southend Manor hosted Ryman Premier side Purfleet at Southchurch Park in what promised to be the most entertaining tie of the evening.

Mark Jenkins, who knows a thing or two about soccer at Ryman level from his own playing days, has got a useful squad together at Southchurch.

Down at Park Lane, Canvey also knew that they were facing a battle when ex-Bowers boss Tony Cross brought his Tilbury troops down for a clash with the holders.

The Dockers, also from Division Three, have been showing plenty of cup fighting instincts recently - particularly the week before last when they travelled way down West to meet Falmouth Town in an FA Vase replay and, after 120 minutes of goalless soccer, won a penalty shoot-out.

But the Islanders loved winning this very prestigious trophy at Roots Hall last season, beating Leyton Orient in the final, and manager Jeff King and his troops are desperately keen for a repeat this time round.

The third big Senior Cup tie of the evening saw Ryman Premier Billericay Town take on Ryman Third Division Aveley at New Lodge with the visitors still unbeaten in the League this term.

Gary Calder's Billericay are not having the best of times at the moment and, on Saturday, their flu-bugged side suffered their third defeat in eight days when they lost 2-0 in the League at lowly Basingstoke.

The funeral service of former Billericay Town official Terry Byrne will take place tomorrow at Chelmsford Crematorium at 2.45pm.

A New Lodge follower for more than a quarter of a century, Mr Byrne had served the club as a vice-chairman and died in Basildon Hospital after a long illness.

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