Witham Town's manager Tony Last cannot wait for tonight's Essex Senior Cup clash with Braintree.

Last spent 25 years at Cressing Road as a physio, player and youth-team coach and is delighted to welcome the Iron to Spa Road.

He told the Evening Gazette: "It's nice to pit my wits against the team I love and still hold close to my heart.

"They had a great win on Saturday against the league leaders and I'm over the moon for Gary (Bellamy) who has taken over the reigns."

Last made it clear that he would be doing his old club no favours, though.

He said: "When I do a job, I put everything into it and I want to go out and win.

"It will be tough as Braintree have a number of quality players. In my eye's it's like Colchester taking on Manchester United."

Witham have one injury doubt for the cup tie. Former Iron Richard Blackery has a knee injury and will under-go a fitness test prior to the game.

Braintree manager Gary Bellamy said: "Witham will be thinking that it will be their chance to turn us over. They'll certainly go out all guns blazing, but it's important that our players give 100 per cent."

Gavin Cowans and Neil Cousins are still suspended, Ollie Berquez is not available and Sam Keebill was not registered in time.

Published Tuesday November 5, 2002

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