Tiptree United have found help forthcoming from an unlikely source in their bid to land FA Carlsberg Vase glory - neighbours Heybridge Swifts.

Jam-makers boss Neil Farlie found that, due to injuries, his midfield was in need of a boost.

He had heard, through the grapevine, that Swifts midfielder Dave Streetley was on the road to recovery from injury, but in need of some first team action, and so put a call into his opposite number at Heybridge, Dave Greene.

However, the news was not good. Streetley was still struggling with a knee problem and was a way off playing at that time.

"So I offered him Adam Gillespie," remembers Greene. "Adam had just been out for eight months after breaking his ankle.

"He had played in a couple of games for us and turned out three times for the reserves. But I felt that he needed more competitive football to truly test his ankle.

"With all due respect, reserve football is not as competitive as Jewson League football, so it seemed to be a perfect solution for everyone."

Gillespie made the loan move to Chapel Road, but it was not a loan in the traditional sense.

Even though Tiptree play in a different league to Swifts, Gillespie's contract at Heybridge had to be cancelled to allow him to switch clubs, although his financial situation remained the same with Heybridge and Tiptree coming to an agreement over wages.

However, Swifts nearly had to call Gillespie back three weeks ago after a couple of injuries left Greene short in midfield.

"It was a close thing," said Greene. "But we were able to bring in Andy Tomlinson from Billericay Town which enabled Gillespie to remain with Tiptree for the rest of the season."

Streetley has recovered enough to turn out for the Jam-makers as well, although he has had a relapse and seems likely to miss out on Saturday's first leg trip to Sudbury.

Farlie said: "Dave at Heybridge has really helped us out.

"Adam has been brilliant for us and I can't thank Dave enough for letting us have him for the rest of the season."

To further cement the relationship between the clubs, Swifts had agreed to play a friendly behind closed doors at Tiptree last night.

But following the rain of the last few days, the game was cancelled due to the heavy conditions.

Tiptree wanted a tough test ahead of taking on Jewson League champions Sudbury and Swifts were to oblige by playing a full first team.

Greene added: "I wish Neil (Farlie) and his boys all the best for Saturday. I'd love to see them get to the final."

Published Wednesday, March 20, 2002