T|he Stow Derby takes centre stage this Saturday as Wadham Lodge go head-to-head with local rivals Waltham Forest in the Essex Senior League.

Whilst Tony Ievoli’s men have taken the spoils both times the sides have met this season previously, Wadham coach Neil Day sees past results having little bearing on the weekend’s outcome.

Day said: “Both the previous encounters were feisty affairs with four sending offs. We need to remember that and make sure we keep our heads in the heat of battle.

“Forest’s league position surprises me because they have some very good players and are more than capable of turning over any team in the league who expect an easy ride.

“Both teams know each other well so there are local bragging rights at stake. The team who want it most will have a big advantage so we must ensure we’re up for it from the start.”

Lodge go into the game having advanced into the Gordon Brasted Trophy semi-finals last time out.

Goals from Andrea Mantovani and Ashley Bankhole saw the home side progress against a dogged Sawbridgeworth Town outfit.

Lodge now travel to Bowers or Clapton in their first ever last-four tie.

Forest were beaten 3-0 at Ilford on Saturday, a result which leaves Turgut Esendagli’s side second bottom on goal difference.

The goals came from Wale Odoyin, Ryan Barker-Francis and Daniel Jones.