STEVE Butterworth has called on his Great Wakering Rovers side to break back into the Isthmian North play-off places by overcoming Heybridge Swifts tomorrow.

Wakering will make the trip to the Aspen Waite Arena for their first league outing in 14 days.

And, while Heybridge are currently three points better off in fourth spot, Butterworth wants his side to continue surprising outsiders by moving up the standings.

“Heybridge are definitely one of the better sides in the division and I have watched lots of highlights of them this season,” said Wakering player-manager Butterworth.

“They are very strong going forward as they are good in wide areas and up top, so we will definitely need to be on our game.

“But they lost in their last league game to AFC Sudbury, so they are beatable.

“We want to go there and upset the apple-cart.

“But, at the same time, we are one of the surprise packages so far this season because no-one expected us to be challenging in and around the play-offs.

“People will take us more seriously and take note of how we are doing now.”

Wakering head into the contest following a 1-0 Isthmian League Cup victory over Hullbridge Sports.

However, the triumph was tarnished by Adalberto Pinto being given his marching orders inside the opening 41 minutes and Butterworth is frustrated that the midfielder will eventually serve a one-match ban.

“Even though we won, I was left frustrated because I will lose my skipper for a game,” added Butterworth.

“It was a pointless game that meant nothing to either side because they couldn’t go through to the knockout stages.

“Having Pinto sent off was really annoying and that could cost us.

“Pinto had committed three fouls and picked up two yellow cards.

“Although you could argue that they were yellow card offences, referees are normally a bit more lenient.”