ONE time England boss Peter Taylor will get his first taste of Step Four non-League action on Boxing Day with his first match in charge of Maldon and Tiptree in the Isthmian North division.

And tests don't come any tougher than the trip to near neighbours and promotion-chasers Heybridge Swifts at their near impregnable Aspen Waite Arena where they have eight wins out of nine league matches this season.

However, after a season of success Swifts have hit their first bump in the road of the season in recent matches and the fourth-placed side have gone four matches without a win and lost the last two.

Much-travelled Taylor has had little time to work with his new charges since his appointment following the surprise sacking of Adam Flint.

The Jammers are third from bottom and four points from safety but Taylor's arrival has already meant some new signings, among them ex Southend United midfielder Harry Phillips and Michael Finneran, who helped lead Canvey Island to promotion last season.

Finneran was the first of one time Premier League manager Taylor's signings and the new boss said: "I'm delighted Michael has joined us, he brings with him good experience and he was part of a team that gained promotion from this league last season.

"We are all very much looking forward to working with him."