BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT boss James Webster plans to shuffle his pack for tonight’s rearranged Essex Senior Cup tie at Redbridge.

Both sides will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky, as the third-round contest has already been postponed twice due to storm damage and then a waterlogged pitch.

However, while determined to make progress and extend his side’s stay in the competition, Webster is aware that his club have other big matches on the horizon, including their much-anticipated FA Vase tie at home to Colney Heath.

“Obviously we want to go there, do well and win the game,” said the Regent boss, who was delighted with his side’s performance in Saturday’s 6-2 drubbing of Kirkley & Pakefield.

“But I do see this game as an opportunity to give certain players, including some of the younger ones, a run-out.

“It’s hard keeping everyone happy but I’m confident that even if I do shuffle my pack, it won’t make us any weaker.

“That’s a reflection of the strength in depth we’ve got at the club.”

Webster admits it has been frustrating that the game has been called off twice.

“It can’t be helped, but players have made arrangements to finish work early both times, because we want to allow plenty of time and not get stuck in traffic,” he said.

“For the games to then be called off quite late in the afternoon has been quite frustrating.”

In addition to their Essex Senior Cup and Vase dates, Brightlingsea are also preparing for a big Thurlow Nunn League premier division contest at home to fellow high-fliers Gorleston on Saturday.

Two more of our sides are also in Essex Senior Cup action.

MALDON & TIPTREE have a home date with AFC Hornchurch, while WITHAM TOWN are at home to Thurrock.

Both of those matches are fourth-round affairs.

Maldon ended their run of five Ryman One North games without a win when they beat Tilbury 3-1 on Saturday, while Witham eased to a 4-0 victory at home to Burnham Ramblers.

HALSTEAD TOWN and BRANTHAM ATHLETIC meet in the second round of the Red Insure Challenge Cup.

Halstead boss Mark Benterman will be forced to make changes.

“With up to seven first-teamers injured or cup-tied, it gives me a great chance to see the fringe players and for them to stake a claim,” he said.