HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Cliff Akurang says his side’s Easter derby duel with Maldon and Tiptree will feel like a cup final.

The two neighbouring clubs go head to head in a Ryman League division one north showdown at Park Drive, on Easter Monday (kick-off 3pm).

Akurang has plenty of experience of such derbies, having played for Swifts against Maldon during his playing days.

And the striker is fully aware of how much victory in the match means to players, officials and supporters of the respective clubs, having moved from Maldon to take over at Heybridge.

Akurang said: “For the players in the area, the Maldon game is massive and it means so much to the people who watch.

“It’s like a cup final every time we play them and we will be putting as much effort in as possible to try and get a result.

“It should be quite an exciting match for people to watch and the difference in atmosphere is usually really noticeable.

“With every tackle you make and shot you get on target, you can feel the emotion of the crowd.

“When you have that kind of support, it helps to drive you on another ten per cent.”

Heybridge’s trip to play Maldon and Tiptree will be their second game of the Easter weekend.

Prior to that, Akurang faces his old club when Thurrock are the visitors to Scraley Road on Good Friday, kick-off 1.30pm.

Akurang enjoyed three spells at Ship Lane as a player, making more than 100 appearances for the Fleet.

He has already tasted victory over his former club as a manager, having led Swifts to a 1-0 triumph over them last December.

“Thurrock are a club close to my heart,” said Akurang.

“When I first got this job, it was my second game and I found myself up against Mark Stimson who I really respect.

“I’m really pleased to see him do well and to beat him as a manager was a very proud moment for me, especially at such an early stage in my managerial career.”