Canvey Island in action in pre-season – Credit: @NickyHayesPhoto
As the 2023/24 non-league season edges closer, our Essex sides have now found out who they will be up against on the opening day.
The Vanarama National League and National League South kick-off on Saturday 5th August, while the Isthmian Premier Division and Isthmian North Division start a week later.
Vanarama National League
Dagenham & Redbridge will be making the trip to Greater Manchester to take on Altrincham. Southend United may not be in existence in their current form by the 5th August with their ongoing ownership issues but nonetheless, they would be hosting Oldham Athletic.
Vanarama National League South
Chelmsford City, who finished in fifth place last season, will be taking on Farnborough. Angelo Harrop’s Braintree Town are heading to Taunton Town, while newly-promoted Aveley are away at Chippenham Town.
Isthmian Premier Division
Billericay Town host Kingstonian and Canvey Island, who had a very impressive 2022/23 campaign, will face Haringey Borough. Rivals Concord Rangers head to Enfield Town and Hashtag United open their season with the visit of Dulwich Hamlet at the Len Salmon Stadium. Hornchurch, under the leadership of former Cardiff City manager Steve Morison, face Horsham.
Isthmian North Division
Bowers & Pitsea, who were relegated from the Isthmian Premier Division last season, face Brightlingsea Regent on Friday 11th August. Brentwood Town, Grays Athletic, Heybridge Swifts and Redbridge are all on the road as they take on Bury, Enfield, Stowmarket Town and Witham Town respectively.
East Thurrock United are at home, they face Wroxham and Maldon & Tiptree face Felixstowe & Walton United.
