Heybridge Swifts are battling on two fronts ahead of their massive FA Cup first round clash against west country giants Bristol City.

Waterlogged - the Scraley Road pitch has been struggling to cope with recent rain

Three of Dave Greene's key players are fighting to be fit for tomorrow's clash, and on top of that the weather seems determined to wash out the biggest day in Heybridge's history.

Midfielder Jamie Windows, defender Dave Culverhouse and striker Paul Abrahams all face late fitness tests, and Greene said: "Jamie (Windows) was so upset that he could be missing the match he was in tears.

"When the physio told me the news last night I couldn't believe it. I was not intending to pick my team until Saturday but I had an idea of what it should be. Now that is in tatters."

Windows is suffering a hamstring injury, Culverhouse a thigh problem and Abrahams a calf strain.

Despite their problems, Greene added: "Everyone in the squad wants to be involved and it's going to be hard on those who are not in the starting line-up."

While Greene has to work hard to get his team ready, the club is fighting against the elements to make sure that rain will not stop play.

They are being aided by Essex County Cricket groundsmen who today were pumping water off the pitch at Scraley Road using their Whale water clearance machine.

Essex County Cricket Club's Stuart Kerrison said: "It's a special occasion for the club and it would be a shame if it had to be called off. The pitch isn't looking bad, it is much better than it was for their match last Tuesday.

"Where we have been working with the Whale it has come up lovely."

Published Friday November 15, 2002

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