IT was a fixtureless weekend for the teams in Ryman League division one north.

Maldon and Tiptree and Heybridge Swifts were all left kicking their heels as the rain washed out their games.

Leaders Maldon were due to entertain Potters Bar Town but a waterlogged Park Drive pitch put paid to that match.

Swifts trip to Thamesmead Town also fell foul of a pitch inspection.

Maldon and Tiptree manager Terry Spillane was philosophical about the postponement ahead of their Boxing Day derby against third-placed Swifts.

Spillane said: “It was disappointing that Saturday’s game was off.

“We would have liked to have played.

“It could have been another three points, perhaps, that would have sent us in to the Boxing Day game with even more confidence than we have now.

“We did train on Saturday, getting the boys to blow off a little steam “But it was difficult in the wet conditions.

“You can look at the postponement both ways.

“We would have liked to have had the run out but also it has given time for a couple of the lads to get over some minor injuries before the big game on Boxing Day.”

The Swifts clash is a game to savour for Spillane and he will be looking to extend his side’s unbeaten league record at Scraley Road.

“I’m really looking forward to the match against Swifts on Boxing Day.

“Both of us are playing and doing well.

“We both play good football and it’s a game that has goals written all over.

“So it will probably be a 0-0 draw.

“All the old clichés come out in games like this.

“The form book goes out of the window and it’s all down to what happens on the day.

“I am hoping that the weather improves and the game is played.

“I think we will get a sizeable crowd down and they will see a really entertaining game.”

Swifts manager Mark Hakes is also looking forward to the derby.

He said: “It was disappointing not to play on Saturday, it always is to lose a game of football.

“But the boys had a good training session and we’re looking forward to Boxing Day.

“I know a lot of their players and the people who run the club, they are very nice people.

“They’ve had an exceptional start to the season.

“But they are there to be shot at and every club is looking to stop their unbeaten run.

“And it’s our turn on Wednesday, it’s at home and we should get a lot of people down and there should be a good atmosphere.

“It would be nice to take their unbeaten record.

“We have had a good start and in a normal season we would only be one or two points off the top – not 16.

“I’m happy with our start and there is a lot to play for on Boxing Day.” The match between Swifts and Maldon kicks off at 1pm.