IT'S derby day for HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS and MALDON & TIPTREE.

The neighbours are set to meet in tonight's Tolleshunt D'Arcy Memorial Cup semi-final (kick-off 7.45pm).

Both sides will be keen to secure the bragging rights, at Scraley Road.

However, both managers have admitted that it is hardly their top priority, heading into their final Ryman League fixtures.

Swifts are entrenched in a north division relegation battle, having dropped into the bottom three following Saturday's 4-1 defeat against Haringey Borough.

They visit fourth-from-bottom Waltham Abbey this weekend before facing Concord Rangers in the Essex Senor Cup final next Tuesday.

"If it wasn't for the fact we're playing Maldon, no-one would be talking about this game," said boss Jody Brown, who is not planning to field a full-strength squad.

"Of course we'd like to win.

"But it's a charity cup semi-final and while I'm sure it's important to the supporters, for me it's all about reacted properly to Saturday's defeat.

"I want a positive performance because next weekend's game is our absolute priority."

Maldon also have other things on their mind.

Saturday's 2-1 victory at Soham Town Rangers enhanced their outside play-off chances and left them tenth in the table - eight points behind fifth-placed AFC Hornchurch.

“Both teams will respect the competition but it’s not our top priority," said Jammers boss Steve Ball.

“If we had the option we’d probably play the reserves and we’ll treat it as a bit of a training exercise.

“I’m down to 16 bodies now and the lads who haven’t been playing will get a chance to play.

“David Levey will play in goal for us and Shaun Phillips will be given a rest.”

Maldon and Swifts still have to play each other in the Ryman League.

They meet at Park Drive on Tuesday, April 19 - a rearranged fixture that was postponed on Easter Monday.