HULLBRIDGE Sports will be tested in a friendly against Aveley tonight.

The Essex Senior League high-flyers will travel to Parkside for an encounter with James Webster’s Isthmian North promotion chasers.

And Sports boss Darren Manning believes the friendly is the ideal preparation ahead of Saturday’s visit of fellow title challengers Takeley.

Manning said: “We’re looking forward to the game.

“It will be good for a couple of our new signings to get some minutes on the pitch and for us to dust some rust off after some postponements and injury lay-offs.

“It’s all part of the preparation for a massive game on Saturday.

“We will be getting some minutes in the players’ legs and working on a couple of things.”

Aveley will provide a stern test for Hullbridge, with the Millers currently second in the Isthmian North standings.

However, Webster’s side were held to a goalless draw at Basildon United on Saturday and Sports will be eager to show they are capable of competing in the fourth tier of non-league football.

The friendly will kick-off at 7.45pm, with admission free for all.