HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Jody Brown is desperately hoping his players can take to the pitch and play some football today.

The Scraley Road outfit played their first game of 2014 on Tuesday night, a 2-2 Ryman One North draw against visiting Dereham Town.

The recent wet weather has frustarted the new Swifts manager in his attempts at getting game time with his players because of the number of postponements.

Swifts are due to entertain AFC Sudbury today and Brown is hoping the home pitch stands-up to the recent rain.

Brown said: “Our groundsman worked wonders to get the game on, on Tuesday night.

“We were a little below par but we are in a building phase and when you don’t play games you don’t grow as a group.

“We need to get three or four back-to-back games played.

“We are trying to play a new system with new players.

“We really need to get game time so we can work things out.”

Looking ahead to the Sudbury match, Brown added: “Robbie King took a bit of a knock to the ankle on Tuesday night but I am pretty sure he will be alright for Saturday.

“I am hoping Danny Barber will also be available.

“He is the only real left-back at the club and I have tried to play three or four players there.

“It is a massive gap for us but hopefully he will be back.”

Maldon & Tiptree are also at home this weekend and will be looking to bounce back from their midweek 2-0 loss at Brentwood Town.

The Park Drive side will face a tough fixture against third-placed Harlow Town.

Witham Town are on their travels as they head to lowly Wroxham.

Town will be without the services of midfielder Kris Newby, who is suspended.

However, they should welcome back central defender Paul King, returning from a hamstring injury.