Tonight's Essex derby between Harwich and Parkeston and Tiptree United has every sign of being more than interesting after the weekend's results.

The Shrimpers started badly, losing 6-0 away at Wroxham, while the Jam-makers thrashed Diss Town 5-0.

Harwich's joint-managar Adrian Gray will be keeping the same side, having suffered no injuries, except for the return of midfielder Adrian Armstrong, who was unavailable at the weekend.

Tiptree manager Neil Farlie can pick from a fully-fit squad, though new-signing Paul Champ will undergo a fitness test before the game.

Dave Greene is confident his Heybridge Swifts side can get a result in their season opener at home to Purfleet.

Greene will start with pretty much a full-strength side, giving league debuts to six new signings. Manny Sarpong starts up front, while Leon Hunter lines up in midfield.

Other newcomers are centre-half Dave Culverhouse, left-back Chris Wilson, David Rainford and right-back Ollie Blackwell.

Braintree Town will start with the same side that drew against Grays Athletic on Saturday when they travel to Bedford.

Manager Ben Embery was delighted with that 1-1 result against one of the title favourites and is hoping for more of the same against a side he predicts will finish in the top half of the Ryman League premier division.

Published Tuesday August 20, 2002