HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS pulled off a surprise in their big Boxing Day derby at home to Ryman League division north leaders MALDON AND TIPTREE.

George Cole’s dramatic 78th-minute winner gave them a 1-0 victory, at Scraley Road.

Kevin Horlock’s Jammers had gone into the match five points clear at the top of the table, ahead of a chasing pack including Thurrock and Aveley.

Swifts, meanwhile, started the day fourth from bottom and hovering dangerously above the relegation trapdoor by virtue of goal difference.

However, it was Swifts who took the spoils in front of a bumper Boxing Day crowd of 346.

Cole grabbed the only goal in the latter stages to make it a memorable day for Jody Brown’s side.

Elsewhere, it was also a great day for WITHAM TOWN.

Adam Flint’s side ran out 4-1 winners at home to Brentwood Town.

Ironically, it was the visitors who were in front at half-time thanks to Andrew Freeman’s penalty in the 21st minute.

However, Witham turned up the heat in the second period and ran out comfortable winners.

Ryan Charles got the ball rolling nine minutes after the break and Nathan Koranteng put the hosts in front on 69 minutes.

Usman Adeniji extended the lead and substitute Luke Mallet then added the fourth to complete a very pleasing afternoon for the Village Glass Stadium side.

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT were also involved in a high-scoring affair but they went down 3-2 at Dereham Town.

All the goals were scored by just two players – Regent’s Aaron Condon scored a brace while the hosts’ star man was hat-trick hero Harley Black.

Black opened the scoring with a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Condon then levelled midway through the second half.

Black quickly restored Dereham’s lead before Condon made it all-square from the penalty spot on 82 minutes.

It looked like honours would finish even until Black pinched a winner in the 90th minute.

All of the Gazette’s Ryman League sides are back in action on New Year’s Eve.

Brightlingsea and Swifts meet in an eye-catching derby at North Road, while Maldon host VCD Athletic and Witham make the long trip to Norwich United.