MALDON AND TIPTREE manager Steve Ball says his players will be fully aware of what is at stake when they host neighbours HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS tonight.

The Jammers now only have pride to play for with the Ryman Division North play-offs out of their reach but Swifts make the short trip to Park Drive hoping to confirm their divisional status for another season.

Ball said: “We have to make sure that our players are up for it as much as their players are and we have their own targets to achieve.

“Make no mistake, our players are fully aware that it’s a local derby with a lot at stake and how much it will mean to our supporters, if we win.

“That will certainly be put to them, before the game.

“Heybridge will be desperate for points and I’m expecting it to be another competitive derby.”

Ball is a former Heybridge player, having played for the club in the late 1990s.

He admits he is still fond of his old club but nevertheless, wants to lead his Maldon side to victory in tonight’s derby clash.

“I want Heybridge to stay up - I played for them many years ago and it’s a good club and one that I like,” added Ball, whose Maldon side were left kicking their heels last weekend after their home game against Witham Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

“I’m sure that their management team will want to come to us and try and upset our rhythm.

“I know Paul Abrahams very well and I think they’ll be coming to our place knowing that if they get something, they’ll be safe.

“We beat them in the league over Christmas but Heybridge’s form has been quite good, of late.

“They performed well in the Essex Senior Cup Final against Concord Rangers last week and only lost to Hornchurch after a dubious penalty, last weekend.

“We’ve had them watched and we know that they’re strong side physically.

"With it being a local derby, I’m sure that they will want to put one over us.”

Maldon striker Sam Newson will be available again tonight, after recovering from illness.

Winger Tarryn Allarakhia is likely to be on the bench after featuring for Colchester’s under-21 side for the first time at Leeds United yesterday.

Maldon are also in derby action again on Thursday night when they host Witham Town in a rearranged game, at Park Drive.