Football returns on Saturday as the Essex Senior League starts their 2017/18 campaign, with last season’s runners-up, Clapton looking to go one better this time out and land the title. With a loyal and sizeable following, mixed with a team that has been getting closer to the summit over the past few seasons, makes them an early tip for the Title. The Tons have an interesting opening day fixture at Basildon United. The Bees finished ninth last season, having finished runners-up themselves in 2015/16. Great Wakering Rovers return to the Essex Senior League and will no doubt be looking to get themselves back into the Bostick League North at the earliest opportunity. Rovers have been relegated back into the Essex Senior League once previously, but regrouped and captured the Essex Senior League in 2013/14 and with it promotion. They could also be one of the teams to look out for and they kick off with a home game against Stansted. FC Romania are another team to watch out for as they have spent the last two season’s floating around the top three. They open the season at Wadham Lodge.

Fixtures

Basildon United v  Clapton

Burnham Ramblers v  Hackney Wick

Great Wakering Rovers v  Stansted

Hullbridge Sports v  Waltham Forest

Redbridge v  Tower Hamlets

Sawbridgeworth Town v  West Essex

Takeley v  Sporting Bengal United

Wadham Lodge v  FC Romania

Woodford Town 2017 v  Ilford