Tiptree United host Ely City in the Ridgeons League premier division knowing that if they win their games in hand they could find themselves in the top three.

Having suffered with inconsistency since winning promotion last season, should Tiptree find a winning run, they could be fighting it out near the top of the table.

Boss Colin Wallington told the Gazette: “If we win our games in hand we are in the top three and I am renowned for going on winning runs around Christmas time.

“I have a lot to look at with the squad though, and there is a lot I am not happy about.”

One of those concerns is the fitness of striker Lee Underwood who is suffering from flu. He has scored three goals in his first two games since signing from Wivenhoe Town.

While many local games have fallen foul of the weather recently, Wallington said the Chapel Road pitch should hold up tomorrow.

He said: “The pitch should be alright, no more than that, as long as it doesn’t rain.”

He will be without Keith Emmerson, Mark Gaisford, Lee Owen, Ben Cross and Liam Coleman through injury, while John Watson has joined Ryman League division one north Witham Town on loan for a month.