HARWICH and Parkeston boss Glenn Eldridge believes his on-song side can put a spanner in the works of title-chasing rivals Little Oakley.

The sides are set to meet in an eagerly-awaited Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division derby at the Memorial Ground tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

Oakley are four points clear at the top of the table and look destined for a move up to the Thurlow Nunn League.

However, tomorrow's match is a showdown between two very in-form sides, with Eldridge's Shrimpers having won their last five games and seven of their last eight, plundering 30 goals.

"Oakley are top of the table and deservedly so.

"They've done everything the right way and I've got nothing but respect for them and their manager, Sean Tynan.

"All credit to them and, in terms of the way they've built their side, they're a blueprint for what we hope to achieve.

"However, it's good to have a healthy rivalry between the clubs - they'd say the same thing - and we'd certainly love to cause an upset tomorrow.

"I certainly believe we're capable of causing a few surprises and we feel we owe them one, after losing the first game between the sides at the Royal Oak.

"There wasn't much between us on New Year's Eve but we're a different Harwich now.

"We've produced title-winning form since the turn of the year and are hopefully more respected in the area now.

"My group of players are as good as any in the league.

"I'll always back them and, on current form, I wouldn't swap them for anyone.

"We're dominating large chunks of games and when we win, we tend to win comfortably.

"If we'd had this group of players at the start of the season, we'd certainly be challenging near the top of the table. There's no doubt about that.

"The boys have really clicked and we've had real continuity, in terms of availability, for the last six to eight weeks.

"That's really helped, because there hasn't been much chopping and changing. It's been a settled 16 to 18-man squad."

Eldridge has not given up hope of promotion this season, although it would depend on league restructuring as they have not met the criteria of finishing in the top five.

They have already completed the necessary groundwork needed to go up.

"If we're given the opportunity, we'll certainly take it and I feel this group of players is more than good enough for step six football," he said.

"But regardless of what league we're in, all the boys have said they want to stay next season and that's great news, because we've got a young, hungry and exciting squad.

"All the players are 21 or under, apart from Andy Gibbons, Michael Murray, Sam Felgate and Ash Wood.

"I'm proud of the boys and it's a very positive club to be at the moment.

"The team spirit is on another level and the club is in a very healthy place."

Harwich, who are waiting on the fitness of Brad Westley and Michael Hammond, beat a Halstead Town XI 7-1 in a hastily-arranged friendly at the Royal Oak last Thursday.