STEVE Butterworth admits Aveley are the last opponents he wanted his Great Wakering Rovers outfit to be facing this weekend.

Wakering, who will welcome the high-flying Millers to Burroughs Park tomorrow, have conceded 10 goals in the last seven days.

And, following defeats to Heybridge Swifts and Concord Rangers in the Isthmian North and Essex Senior Cup fourth round respectively, Butterworth concedes his side will need to tighten up at the back if they are to pick up a positive result.

“Aveley are battering everyone at the moment,” said the Wakering player-manager.

“They are not just beating teams but getting big wins.

“Aveley are smashing any sides put in front of them and it’s not the ideal game after losing two games in a row.

“But we are doing well at home and I know a lot of their players.

“I also know Keith Rowland well because he was my coach when I was at Aveley.

“He has done a superb job since taking over as manager.”

Wakering and Aveley are separated by just three points.

Butterworth’s outfit are ninth in the Isthmian North standings, while Aveley find themselves in sixth spot.

The Millers head to Burroughs Park having recorded back-to-back 4-1 victories over Biggleswade Town and Cambridge City in the FA Trophy third qualifying round and Isthmian North respectively.

While Aveley are in fine form, Butterworth will be looking for a reaction after conceding six goals in their Essex Senior Cup exit at the hands of Concord.

“It was a lesson for a lot of our players,” added Butterworth.

“Concord were very good and we were very poor.

“They didn’t take their foot off the gas and they were too much to live with going forward.

“We were playing against three professionals and one ex-professional.

“I think it was the first time where we have been steamrollered this season.

“We didn’t look like getting back into the game and it was a case of how many they were going to score.

“It goes without saying that we will need to be better if we are going to beat Aveley.”