HEYBRIDGE Swifts are hoping to build on their improving home form.

The side won their first match of the season at Scraley Road last Tuesday, defeating Aveley 2-0.

It came hot on the heels of a 1-1 draw against AFC Sudbury, on October 13.

Now Swifts hope to build on it in back-to-back Ryman League north division home matches, against Soham Town Rangers on Saturday and Brightlingsea Regent next Tuesday.

“It’s been pleasing to improve the home form almost instantly (since coming in as manager),” said boss Jody Brown.

“Now we need to build on it.

“Soham have improved, by the look of their recent results, but they’re still a side near us in the table so it’s an important fixture.

“Brightlingsea are a side I admire. I’ve watched them progress and I’m sure they’ll be hoping and expecting to beat us.

“It’ll be a tough game, but our home form will be pivotal to our survival chances.

“It’s always been a strong point for Heybridge.

“We need to get back to that and part of my job as manager is to unite everyone - the players and supporters - and give the fans something to cheer about.”

Swifts bowed out of the FA Trophy on Saturday, losing 2-0 in their first-round match at Cheshunt.

“We probably deserved something from the game,” said Brown.

“It hinged on a couple of refereeing decisions that unfortunately didn’t go our way.

“But in terms of performance, it was there or thereabouts.

“We just weren’t rewarded.

“On the day, we were equal to them and worked much harder than we had seven days before (Swifts lost 8-1 to Cheshunt in a league game the previous Saturday).

“We had our regular goalkeeper and were closer to our best back four, which made a big difference.

“Our application was much better and there were positive signs, although it’s hard to get too excited after a 2-0 defeat.”