Blues travel to Scraley Road to take on Heybridge Swifts in a Bostik league encounter. Blues' fans will be hoping for an improvement in form after a disappointing New Year's Day defeat against previously bottom club Romford. Swifts are managed by former Blues' number one Jody Brown who had enjoyed a short tenure in charge before leaving for an unsuccessful tenure at Welling United.
The Opposition
Swifts have enjoyed an amazing run in both the FA Cup and Trophy this season collecting a number of scalps on the way. They reached the first round of the FA Cup when they gave a creditable display but eventually succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at League Two Exeter City. They remain in the FA Trophy where they face Maidstone United in the second round away later this month.
As a result of their cup exploits Swifts have only played fifteen league games - thirteen fewer than Blues! They are currently lying in fourteenth place on thirty points, with nine wins, three draws, and three defeats so far. Leading goalscorer is Juan Luque with nineteen goals in all competitions. Ex-Blues in their squad include Phil Anderson, Lewis Dark and recently signed Tim Monsheju.
In The Past
Recent records show there have been 22 meetings , Swifts winning eleven, five draws, and Blues winning six. Blues have fared better in the North Division winning three, with two draws ,and one defeat. Current records show the first meeting was an FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Tie in September 1989 with Swifts winning 2-1. The last league meeting was in April 2013 at Scraley Road with Blues running out 2-1 winners with goals from Joao Carlos and Jack West, Luke Callender replying for Swifts.
Current Form ( League only)
Heybridge WDDLDW
Blues DLLDWL
Stats courtesy of Chris Jones' website - http://www.graysath-online.com/stats/opponent.php?opp=93