BOROUGH sides are back in action today (Saturday, 9 July) as pre-season begins in earnest for Thurrock's four Isthmian League clubs.

Last night Aveley opened their season by playing host to Dagenham and Redbridge at Parkside and performed well in a 1-0 defeat.

The Millers are quickly back in action with another friendly this afternoon when Hullbridge FC are the visitors, kick-off 1pm.

And Parkside will play host to Grays' Athletic's first friendly on Tuesday (11 July) when landlords and tenants clash in a meeting with Aveley.

Tilbury will travel to Buckhurst Hill today for a friendly, kick-off 3pm. and on Tuesday they go to Bowers & Pitsea (&.45pm).

East Thurrock United get their games underway on Tuesday (12 July) with a home friendly against near neighbours Concord Rangers.

Draws for both FA Cup and FA Trophy have now been made.

Tilbury have been drawn into the FA Cup's extra preliminary round and will travel to Milton Keynes Irish on Saturday, 6 August.  The winners will be away to  Waltham Abbey or Woodford Town in the preliminary round on Saturday, 20 August.

On the same day Grays Athletic will be away to the winners of an extra preliminary round tie between Stotfold and Newport Pagnell. East Thurrock United visit the winners of the tie between Essex Senior League sides Little Oakley and FC_Clacton.

In the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday, 10 September East Thurrock United will be home to Isthmian League South Central side Sutton Common Rovers, The winners will be away to Lancing FC or Cray Valley PM on 24 September.

Tilbury will be home to Whitehawk in the first qualifying round, with the prize a trip to Tooting & Mitcham United in the second round.

In first round qualifying Grays Athletic make the short trip to VCD Athletic, when a next round home tie against Merstham or Hythe Town will be the reward.