GRAYS Athletic and Tilbury go into the opening game of the new Isthmian North season buoyed by FA Cup successes in their opening encounters.

Grays produced an emphatic 5-1 victory at Hilltop FC in the extra preliminary round last Friday, while Dockers followed them into the next stage 24 hours later with a 2-0 win at home to Wormley Rovers.

On Saturday (15 August), league action begins with Tilbury making the trip to Brightlingsea Regent, who have enjoyed a decent pre-season though they suffered a drubbing at the hands of Aveley and bowed out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking last week with a 3-1 defeat at Histon.

Grays renew an old rivalry with a home clash against seasiders Lowestoft Town.

Aveley haven't enjoyed the start they wanted in the Isthmian Premier, drawing their home opener with Eastbourne Borough last weekend and losing 1-0 to a late, late goal at Maldon and Tiptree on Tuesday.

Brett Munyard's men will hope to bounce back with a win in another home clash, with Brighton-based Whitehawk pitching up at Parkside. Like Aveley, the hawks have just one point from their opening two encounters.

History will be made at Rookery Hill where phoenix club East Thurrrock Community FC play their first ever FA Vase clash, entertaining Letchworth Garden City Eagles. After a fine start with two Thurlow Nunn Easter Counties wins, Rocks have lost three on the spin, including last week's home hammering by Hoddesdon.

They will be looking to get back on track against the visitors from the Spartan South Midlands Football League Division One, where they have drawn one and lost one in their opening two fixtures.