The last thing Braintree Town boss Ben Embery needs right now is an Essex derby - but that's what the club faces with the visit of Heybridge Swifts to Cressing Road tonight.

Braintree are preparing for one of the biggest games in their history when they face Margate away in the fifth round of the FA Umbro Trophy on Saturday.

And with several players struggling to be fit in time for that clash, Embery is fearing more injury headaches after tonight's contest.

He said: "I think Essex derbies are great and they often attract big crowds. But this couldn't come at a worse time for us.

"Heybridge will undoubtedly give us a tough game and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all our players come out unscathed."

The Iron will be without skipper Nicky Smith, who strained his groin in the 2-0 league win over Chesham on Saturday.

Centre-half Gavin Cowan is out with knee and groin injuries but midfield terrier Dean Parratt will return after suspension.

Swifts will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of conceding four goals in 20 minutes in a 5-2 defeat at Bedford Town on Saturday.

It was only their second defeat in their last six games which has seen them win the other four.

Greene is now aiming to inflict Braintree's third league defeat of the season at Cressing Road.

But he will have to do it without midfielders Lewis Baillie, who is unavailable, and Sean Caton, who has ligament damage.

He has, however, been boosted by the return of keeper Kingsley Banks, who has missed the last six weeks with a groin injury, and Ross Taylor.

Greene said: "The players have been talking about this game for weeks. They're really fired up for it. I'm hoping that the real Heybridge will turn up tonight. We were playing brilliantly up until a couple of weeks ago.

"Our passing has not been what it should be and this is a good time to get it sorted."

Published Tuesday, February 19, 2002