Three Essex Senior Cup fourth round ties highlight the local soccer scene this evening.

Schweppes Essex Senior League Southend Manor host Ryman Premier side Purfleet at Southchurch Park (7.45pm) in what promises 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.

Purfleet will undoubtedly rest one of two of their stars for the game, but they certainly will not be taking liberties against an outfit who knocked out Ryman Third Division East Thurrock United in the last round.

Down at Park Lane, Canvey also know that they will face a battle when ex-Bowers boss Tony Cross brings 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.

Tilbury will undoubtedly give Canvey a game, but it would be wrong to suggest that Gulls will not be treating the tie with the importance it deserves.

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 sees 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.

Previously Billericay had won three straight away games without conceding a goal, but they have not enjoyed good times of late at New Lodge.

The funeral service of former Billericay Town official Terry Byrne will take place on Thursday 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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