Heybridge looked to have other things on their mind as they crashed to a disappointing 2-0 Ryman League defeat at Hendon.

The Swifts travel to Runcorn in the last 16 of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

And that could explain a lacklustre performance from Liam Cutbush's men, who were already missing Nicky Haydon, Nicky Simpson and Christian McClean but had Mark Cranfield back in the side.

Swifts enjoyed a good first half with Terry Warwick, Simon Parker and Dave Streetley all going close.

But Hendon dominated the second period and two goals for dangerman Paul Whitmarsh, who scored after both 50 and 70 minutes, won the day for the home team.

Most worrying for Cutbush was an injury to Streetley, who is now a major doubt ahead of Saturday's big match along with Haydon.

Hendon jump above Heybridge in the premier division table - the Essex side are now 15th.

It's derby time in the East Anglian Cup tonight as Wivenhoe travel to Tiptree.

The Dragons, whose season hinges largely on success in this competition, are hoping to welcome back Lee Abrahart and Alan Day from injury but Gary Hudson is a major doubt.

Tiptree could be forgiven for wanting to concentrate on their promotion campaign from Jewson League division one.

But boss Steve Parnell has named a full squad although Steve Chester, Neil Bennett and Danny Hill, all substitutes on Saturday, could start.

Halstead's Uttlesford Cup match against Haverhill, scheduled for tonight, has been postponed.

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