CLIFF Akurang is coming up against former boss Alan Kimble in what he is expecting to be a ‘fiery’ Boxing Day derby.

New Heybridge Swifts boss Akurang takes charge of his first home fixture with the visit of Kimble’s Maldon and Tiptree to Scraley Road in their Ryman League division one north festive fixture (kick-off 1pm).

Akurang has made a good start, winning both of his two games since taking over as Swifts manager.

The latest success was a 1-0 success at Thurrock last Saturday courtesy of a debut goal from striker Marcel Henry-Francis.

But Maldon and Tiptree have also found form and got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against visiting Thamesmead Town.

The Jammers’ goals came from Nathan Koranteng and Tunde Adewunni.

And now both managers know they are in for a difficult Boxing Day afternoon.

Akurang joined Swifts from Maldon where he was a player-coach – he has a lot of respect for former boss Kimble and is savouring the forthcoming clash.

He said: “I am looking forward to the derby game. I’m sure it’s going to be a fiery and a good game.

“It will be a tough match. Both teams have picked up and found some form.

“We first have to play our game and hopefully be able to put something on the counter.

“It will be good to see Alan (Kimble) again. I am grateful to him for what he did for me.

“He gave me the opportunity at Maldon which gave me the confidence to go into management at Swifts.

“The players at Swifts have given me 100 per cent since I have come in and I expect them to do the same on Friday.”

Jammers boss Kimble is also expecting his side to come out strongly on Boxing Day, especially after their good result at the weekend.

Kimble said: “It will be a tough game against Heybridge.

“Cliff has gone in and they’ve won two on the trot so they’re on a high.

“But I am confident that if we go there and play like we did on Saturday then we can do well.

“When we walked through the door at Maldon the team only had 11 points, now we have 28 and we are six points clear of the relegation places.

“It is a testament to the backroom, staff the players and the coaching staff.

“As long as we apply ourselves then we can kick on from here.

“This is always a difficult time of the year but after Saturday’s result I can enjoy my Christmas a little more.”