Braintree were today hoping to sign Colchster United striker Tony Adcock on loan until the end of the season.

But the Iron were facing hot competition from Heybridge Swifts who were contemplating a late offer.

Known as the Rooster by Colchester United fans, Adcock is just five goals away from breaking the U's league scoring record.

But limited opportunities at Layer Road have thwarted his hopes and after missing the past few weeks with injury, he turned out for the reserves on Wednesday.

Iron boss Trevor Gunn said: "He is ideal for the short term as we go for promotion. But also there could be quite a future here for someone like Tony in coaching and youth development."

Braintree are kicking off at home to Chertsey at 1pm so fans can watch the England game afterwards.

They have been hit by injuries to top scorer Gary Bennett, new boy Steff Kendall and defender Russell Tanner.

Despite a run of poor form the Iron are still in with a chance of promotion especially with other teams around them dropping points.

Heybridge go to Dulwich, still needing points to escape relegation, at full strength. Boss Robbie Nihill said: "It is still very tight. It is no good having games in hand, we still have to win games and for that we need to be as strong as possible."

In Ryman Division Two, Wivenhoe go to Met Police with Simon Marshall playing his last game after being recalled by Heybridge as cover for Ben Lewis who may need a knee operation.

Co-manager Steve Pitt said: "They are all big games for us now. But it seems our biggest battle is stopping other teams poaching our players. Happily though they all seem to want to stay."

Witham travel to championship-seeking Harlow without influential Mitchell Springett who is on a one-match ban.

But after the close run they gave them at Spa Road they will not have much to fear.

Witham boss George Young said: "It is a blow but it is only for one game. I have a fair squad and I will wait and see after Saturday to see if I need to get in some new faces."

In the Jewson Premier, Maldon's Jamie Gold misses out on their home clash with Soham through suspension.

Steve Card broke down in the reserves with a recurrence of a knee injury. Ben Embery rates Soham, who include former Chelmsford striker Neal Docking, highly.

He said: "They are one of the better teams in this division so we will have to play well once more with our youngsters.

"I have brought in Ollie Woodman from the reserves and switched him from midfield to attack and he is looking good."

Halstead's Steve Parnell is six goals away from breaking the club's all-time goalscoring record but a knee injury could thwart that ambition this season.

They go to Fakenham with youngsters Steve Wareham and Dave McKrory looking to provide the firepower.

Harwich's caretaker-boss Jim Warnes has revealed he is to leave the Oak at the end of the season.

His side entertain leaders Wroxham tomorrow without Aaron Straight, but Trevor Ganderton and Dan Daly come in.

In Division One, Tiptree, who have gone ten league games without defeat, are looking to close the gap on leaders Clacton when they entertain Dereham.

The Jam-makers have been in tremendous form and are seven points, with two games in hand, behind the leaders.

Manager Keith Newman said: "We are doing well but we have to keep that going. We have some excellent youngsters and it is little wonder other clubs are chasing them."

Stanway could do them a favour by beating Mildenhall at New Farm Road.

Clacton host Hadleigh aiming to boost their title charge.

Nick Nicolaou said: "It's been our longest winless sequence, three games. But everybody goes through a little sticky patch no matter what teams they are - Clacton Town or Manchester United.

"You need to be big enough and brave enough to get out of it."

Nicolaou is hopeful of having John Kemp back from an ankle injury while Andy Partner is also expected to return.

Steve Wright, who until recently managed Harwich, is included in Brightlingsea's squad for their home game with promotion contenders Downham.

Chelmsford host Dartford tonight at Billericay.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.