MALDON and Tiptree boss Steve Ball says he wants their Essex rivals to stay in Ryman One North this season, ahead of a double dose of derby action.

The Jammers are preparing for two big games at Park Drive in the coming days, with Witham Town the visitors on Saturday followed by a showdown with Heybridge Swifts, next Tuesday night.

While Maldon go into the matches lying in a comfortable position in the top half of the table, both Witham and Heybridge are in desperate need of points in their bid to stay in the division.

And although he wants his in-form side to continue their fine recent form in both matches, boss Ball insists he does not want to see either of their neighbouring clubs suffer the pain of relegation this season.

Ball said: “I want all of the local teams to stay in the division because it does bring that local flavour.

“Witham had a great result last Saturday – we had a scout at the game and I’m expecting it to be a tough game for us.

“But we’re strong at home and we’ll go into the game feeling confident that we can get a result.”

Maldon go into their match against Witham in good form, having racked up three straight league wins.

The play-offs are now out of reach for the Jammers, who are 11 points adrift of the top-five with just three games remaining – but boss Ball wants has urged his players to finish the season strongly.

“Since January, we’ve played 17 games in the league and won ten, drawn five and had two defeats,” added Ball.

“We’ve managed to get 35 points and that’s league-winning form and there’s a real desire from all of the players to be involved.

“I think the perception surrounding Maldon before the season started was that we would reach the play-offs but we knew internally that it wouldn’t be that easy.

“It’s vital that we keep this momentum and finish the season strongly and it’s gone very well, over recent months.”