THERE will be a familiar face missing for HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS today when they travel to Waltham Abbey.

The Ryman One North side this week parted company with striker Russell Malton, who has joined Needham Market.

The former Colchester United youth-teamer made a total of 85 appearances for Swifts and netted 19 career goals, having had two spells at Scraley Road after making his debut in November 2009.

He will joining up with three other former U’s players at Bloomfields as Jamie Guy, Ian Westlake and Kem Izzet are already at the club, under Needham manager and former Harwich & Parkeston boss Mark Morsley.

Heybridge director of football Wayne Bond said: “We’re sorry to see Russell go but I’d like to thank him for his efforts during his time at Scraley Road.

“I’d also like to thank Mark Morsley, for his professional approach to the signing.”

Meanwhile, there is still no update in terms of Mark Hawkes’ managerial successor at Heybridge.

The club are on the look-out for a new boss following Hawkes’ recent departure to Chelmsford City.

However, media manager Dave Buckingham said the club are keeping their cards close to their chest and added: “The information is remaining confidential within the club.”

Elsewhere, MALDON & TIPTREE are at home to Wroxham today, hoping to build on last week’s excellent 4-1 success against Erith & Belvedere.

Third-placed WITHAM TOWN go to Ware.

Garry Kimble’s side thrashed leaders VCD Athletic last weekend, but were losing at home to Redbridge in midweek before fog led to the contest being abandoned after 72 minutes.

The game will now be replayed on January 14.