JODY Brown is looking forward to a tough Ryman League derby.

Brown’s Heybridge Swifts are set to take on Garry Kimble’s Witham Town in a division north clash at Scraley Road on Saturday.

Both sides are struggling for form at the moment.

Swifts have lost their last four league games, including last Saturday’s 2-0 reverse at Romford, which followed a good four-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Witham, who were relegated from the Ryman Premier last season, have also had a torrid time in the league, losing their last six matches.

The Spa Road side now sit only two places above Swifts in 19th place, four points ahead of Heybridge’s 20.

Brown said: “Witham are going through a tough time at the moment.

“They have got a points buffer on us but form-wise they are in a similar position and they will want to stop their slide as quickly as possible.”

And Brown is sure both sides will know each other pretty well, with some familiar faces in both teams.

He added: “It’s a local derby and there are a lot of ex-Heybridge players turning out for them now.

“But we have Lewis Godbold and Lee Townrow who were a big part of Witham’s recent success.

“There are a lot of side issues in derbies like this.

“But both clubs need to improve their form and will be out looking for the win.

“Local football wouldn’t want to see either side go down, I am sure.

“Local derbies are important to all clubs including Brightlingsea and Maldon.

“We don’t want to see Witham go down and I am sure they wouldn’t want to see us relegated either but on Saturday we will be going out for the win.”

Swifts were frozen out of their Essex Senior Cup quarter-final match against Aveley on Tuesday night.

A frozen goalmouth and a further drop in temperature predicted for the evening led the game to be postponed on Tuesday afternoon following an inspection.