A NUMBER of south Essex clubs begin their Ryman League Cup journey this evening, all looking for a prolonged run in the tournament.

Billericay Town, beaten in the first round last season, welcome Ryman North outfit Heybridge Swifts to New Lodge, and will be looking to make it to another showpiece occasion.

Their last was the Essex Senior Cup final in the 2014/15 campaign.

Canvey Island welcome Great Wakering Rovers in an intriguing battle at the Frost Financial Stadium.

The Gulls have been impressive at the start of the season, although they were well beaten by Havant & Waterlooville in their last encounter.

Wakering have stuttered in the early weeks of the Ryman North season but know a win at Canvey could re-ignite their charge.

Bowers & Pitsea are also at home, with Witham Town the visitors to the Len Salmon Stadium.

The two met just weeks ago in the Ryman North, with Tim Monsheju's hat-trick helping Witham to a comfortable 5-2 win that day.

Where will Bowers boss Rob Small place the importance of this competition as they look to consolidate their position in the league?

*To see how your team gets on, visit echo-news.co.uk/sport from 10pm tonight.