HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Cliff Akurang isn’t concerned about taking on the table-toppers at the weekend.

Akurang is preparing his side for the visit of Ryman League division one north leaders Needham Market on Saturday.

Swifts have been buoyed by a 3-1 win at Romford last weekend and a run that has seen them lose only once in the last eight games, including five wins.

And Akurang knows his side like to raise their game against the sides at the top of the table.

He said: “We always seem to do better against the top teams.

“And I am sure we will put on a show against Needham.

“They have to come to our place and we will be looking to upset them.

“No-one expects us to do well against them and I think that lifts our players. They can go out there and play with a sense of freedom.

“We have struggled against teams that we are expected to beat in the same way. Hopefully we can keep Needham frustrated and then jump on any mistakes that they then make.

“Nobody expected us to beat Harlow (3-2) back in January but we did. So we have shown that we are capable of competing against the top sides.”

Swifts won their Tolleshunt D’Arcy Cup quarter-final 6-0 at Halstead Town on Tuesday night.

Billy Hunt (3), Shamido Pedulu (2) and James Fitchett secured a home semi-final against Witham Town.