DARREN Manning believes Hullbridge Sports could have the upper-hand when they welcome Hoddesdon Town to the Ryan’s Heating Stadium tonight.

The Essex Senior League rivals are set to go head-to-head in the Errington Challenge Cup.

While Sports’ weekend trip to Clapton was postponed, Hoddesdon picked up a 2-0 victory at strugglers Leyton Athletic.

And Manning hopes Hoddesdon will not be in peak condition after having to play 90 minutes on a heavy pitch in wet and windy conditions.

The Hullbridge boss said: “We wanted to play on Saturday because otherwise we may end up with a fixture pile-up.

“But, at the same time, it was atrocious conditions and it was probably better, in hindsight, that we didn’t play.

“They may be sharper than us after playing on Saturday, whereas we didn’t.

“But, on the other hand, it could play into our hands because the pitch they played on must have been very heavy due to the awful weather conditions over the weekend.

“Like with any game in any competition, we will not underestimate them and we will be looking to get a positive result.”

Sports relinquished top spot in the Essex Senior League as Stansted took advantage of Manning’s side being unable to take on Clapton.

Stansted, who have been regularly switching positions with Hullbridge in the pecking order over the first half of the campaign, were 5-3 winners at Saffron Walden Town.

Hoddesdon have enjoyed a fine campaign themselves and currently find themselves in eighth place.

But Manning insists form will go out of the window when the two sides bid to progress in the Errington Challenge Cup.

“Form always goes out of the window when it comes to playing in cup competitions,” added Manning, who took over as boss 13 months ago.

“We will be making changes and making sure the players are fresh because it would be great to advance in the Errington Challenge Cup.

“We want to win every game but cup games take on a bit of a different importance.

“Players will be given the chance to get some much-needed minutes on the pitch, whereas other players will be given a rest.

“Despite the bad weather we have been having, the pitch is not looking bad at the moment.

“The groundsman deserves credit for getting the pitch in good shape.”