THE opening two months of the season for Tilbury have been dominated by cup fixtures.

Of the ten matches they have played, six have been in knock-out format and they are engaged in another test on Saturday (21 September) when they go to Southern League Division One Central Berkhamsted in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

Both sides got through the first qualifying round on penalties. Berkhamsted drew 2-2 at AFC Dunstable before the penalty shoot-out drama. At the same time Dockers were beating Welwyn Garden City 6-5 from the spot after a 1-1 draw at Chadfields.

Saturday's hosts, nick named 'The Comrades', who play at the Glencar Community Stadium, are fifth in their league with an impressive four wins from four.  In contrast Tilbury have just four points from their opening matches in the Isthmian North.

Dockers, who bowed out of the FA Cup to Chelmsford City last weekend, have added to their squad. Young striker Quelle Weekes has signedfrom Cockfosters FC and joins the squad for Saturday's FA Trophy game.

Tilbury have also made another youthful signing, with 17-year-old goalkeeper Ben Nightingale arriving on a season-long loan from West Ham U18s.

Aveley will be looking to put the disappointment of their FA Cup exit behind them when they play host to Truro City in the Vanarama National League South.

It's been a disjointed season for Danny Scopes' team, exemplified by last week's cup exit to underdogs Royston Town.

Truro, sitting eighth with four wins and a draw to their name, will be a difficult challenge for Millers who will hope to edge away from the drop zone with a win.

In the Isthmian North Grays Athletic, who play host to Heybridge Swifts on Saturday, have added to their squad with the signing of Matthias Henry-Rose. The Left sided player joins after previous spells at Barnet and Dartford Academies.

There are many connections between Grays and Swifts who have played each other regularly since the late 1990s. Over that time Swifts hold the upper hand with 17 wins against 11 for the Blues.

Last season saw Heybridge complete the double, with a 3-1 win at Chadfields and following this up with a 2-0 victory at Scraley Road.

Swifts are now managed by Julian Dicks, once in charge of the Blues, which adds another twist to spice up the Essex derby.

Neither side has yet stamped their league form card with any authority. Grays have two wins and sit ninth, while Swifts have just one victory and - after Friday night's surprise 2-1 win by Ipswich Wanderers against leaders Basildon United - they are 14th.

After their first ever win last Saturday, East Thurrock Community FC were hoping to build on the momentum against visitors Tollesbury in the Essex and Suffolk Border League Cup, but the visitors have pulled out as they couldn't raise a team. Rocks are trying to arrange a last minute friendly.