Heybridge Swifts took their full first team squad for a pre-season friendly at AFC Sudbury on Tuesday, with the two teams on a collision course in the FA Cup this season if Sudbury progress through the early qualifying rounds.

Swifts took an early lead, John Pollard heading home a Nicky Haydon free kick, but from then on they went to sleep and some key individuals were below par as Brian Devereux (2) and former Swift Terry Rayner netted to put the hosts 3-1 up.

Swifts were sharper after the interval, and Dave Greene converted a penalty after Kris Lee had been pulled down.

Lee then slotted home an equaliser before Swifts gifted Sudbury two further goals, both netted by Devereux.

Lee scored a fourth goal for the visitors, but Sudbury, who were up for the game and played well, ran out narrow 5-4 winners.

There was some inept defending by Swifts who must work better as a unit defensively.

Tomorrow (Saturday) will bring back fond memories of a magnificent match last season, as Gary Hill's Dagenham & Redbridge, newly promoted to the Conference after impressively winning the Ryman League Premier Division last season, return to Scraley Road for a pre-season friendly (3 pm kick off).

Swifts have reported the death during this week of the club's long serving kit man, and general helper, Robin Frost.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.