Heybridge Swifts boss Dave Greene has labelled tonight's Essex derby with Braintree Town (kick-off 7.30pm, Scraley Road) as a game 'neither side can afford to lose'.
Greene's team lie second-from-bottom of the Ryman League premier division, while Gary Bellamy's Braintree are only just above the relegation zone.
Greene, whose side haven't won since before Christmas, told the Evening Gazette: "It's a must-win game, especially for us.
"If we can get the victory that will put us three points behind Braintree with three games in hand.
"Losing isn't worth thinking about. I suppose a draw wouldn't be the end of the world but we'll be looking for the win."
Bellamy, meanwhile, says he can't predict what will happen tonight because he doesn't know which Iron side will turn up.
He admits he's grown frustrated with the Jeckyll and Hyde nature of his side in his four months in the Cressing Road hotseat.
He said: "Some people may say we'll be favourites against Heybridge, but they've got home advantage and we don't seem capable of performing against the teams around us."
Greene is still without Mick Dignum (thigh), John Pollard (hernia), Danny Wornham (hip), Andy Tomlinson (knee), Kingsley Banks (hip) and Danny Barber (banned).
Bellamy will welcome back Paul Catley and Dean Parratt after suspension, but they will still be missing the injured Tommy Noble (hamstring)
Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003
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