HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Jody Brown says he and his players will do all they can to be ready for the challenge of two “massive challenges” this Christmas.

The Scraley Road side have two tough festive fixtures – at home to table-topping neighbours Maldon and Tiptree on Boxing Day (1pm) before a trip to in-form Brightlingsea Regent on New Year’s Eve (3pm).

On paper, both sides will present a real test for a Swifts side that have lost their last five Ryman League division north fixtures, including Saturday’s 1-0 reverse at home to Romford.

However, Brown believes his team can cause an upset and says he and the players will relish both games, especially the big Boxing Day derby.

“It’s going to be a very tough Christmas period,” said the Swifts boss, whose side are also away to fellow strugglers Brentwood Town on January 2.

“We could barely pick harder games and both will be massive challenges.

“However, I don’t fear either Maldon or Brightlingsea.

“I’m really looking forward to both matches and know the players will feel the same.

“We know we’ve got the capability to upset the formbook and I enjoy being tested by the best sides in the league.

“It’s good for our progression, as a team, and it’s a useful benchmark to see where we’re at.

“There’s a really good vibe at Maldon. They’re flying.

“They’ve got an experienced manager (Kevin Horlock), a good blend of young and experienced players and they’ve obviously got the link-up with Colchester.

“It’s going to be an extremely tough game but there’s no point fearing them.

“Maldon can make mistakes and have off-days, just like anyone can, and we know we’re capable of having very good days. We’ve already proven that.”

Brown believes his side are playing better than their league position suggests.

Heybridge are currently fourth from bottom, level on points with the side directly below them – Brentwood.

However, Brown said: “We can compete with anyone in the league and very rarely get hammered by anyone.

“We’re not a soft touch and no-one has had an easy day against us, apart from Thurrock (who beat Swifts 5-0).

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves.

“We have to crack on and believe that our performances will lead to better results.

“I’m quietly confident we’ll pull away.

“We’ve lost our last two games 1-0.

“But we played well and our performances deserve better at the moment.

“If we were bad I’d say we were bad and if we’d been outplayed I’d say we’d been outplayed.

“But that’s not the case and it’s frustrating.

“It’s a challenging time but we’re six points better off than we were this time last season.”

Swifts went into Saturday’s game without a recognised striker, without sidelined pair Reece Grant (hamstring) and Josh Sykes (knee).

Both suffered their injuries in last week’s match against Tilbury.

“We’re severely lacking firepower and it’s been a problem all season,” added Brown, who also had to withdraw centre-back Stefan Mallardo due to a hamstring injury at half-time in the Romford game.

“We’ve never been full-strength going forward or in a position where we can play a front two or three.

“Had that been the case, we could find ourselves in a very different league position.

“We know we’re not a bad side but you’re not going to win many games without front players.

“You need a recognised striker, rather than having to rely on defenders and midfielders playing up front.

“I’m working tirelessly to bring someone else in but it’s so difficult.

“Recruiting players is very hard and it’s difficult to compete with other teams in our area – including some from two levels below – for a number of reasons.

“That’s the reality of the situation and we have to get on with it.”