Blues take a break from league action on Saturday when they entertain Heybridge Swifts in the Preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup at Parkside. Fans of both clubs will be hoping it's their club who emerges victorious and progresses through to the next round. For all clubs at non league level a successful run in this competition not only brings added interest but can also provide a welcome financial boost .

Swifts are another club who have experienced a number of changes in the close season significantly the departure of manager Julian Dicks joining Slaven Bilic at WBA together with player departures. Karl Duguid now holds the reins overseeing a steady start to the league season with a solid opening day win away to league newcomers Histon, followed up by a home draw to many peoples favourites for the title big, spending Coggeshall Town.

Blues will be smarting after a last minute goal consigned them to defeat at Canvey after looking good value for at least a draw following an opening day win over Brentwood so they'll be looking to bounce back on Saturday and progress through to the next round. On the evidence of the opening two fixtures they look a solid outfit, defensively sound (only a last minute lapse of concentration on Tuesday to blot the copybook). The midfield provides protection and creativity and up front there is enough pace to cause defenders real problems.

Last season Swifts came out on top in the home fixture thanks to a Mat price strike.