While Witham Hockey Club’s men know they face a tough game on derby day this weekend, they are keen to take another important step towards their promotion target this year.

The East League division three south east leaders make the short trip to Braintree tomorrow to face rivals Phoenix and know a victory would put them within one win of securing a quick move back up to division two.

Witham moved closer to their goal with a 5-3 win against Wapping thirds last weekend – the team’s tenth victory in a row and they want to extend that run.

Apart from Saturday’s game being a local derby, Phoenix were the last side to have beaten Witham, so they are looking for revenge as well as claiming another important three points.

Witham captain Richard Marshall said: “We are getting there and we now have the ten wins in a row, but this a local derby.

“It would be nice to keep the run going, but it will be tough."

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