THOUGH the competitive Football League season has started with Burnley's win last night against Huddersfield in the Championship, non-League action remains on a friendly basis.

However, it is likely that one of this afternoon's matches between local sides will be an extremely competitive affair as Grays Athletic play host to Tilbury, with the annual Stan Veness Memorial Trophy at stake.

The match at Parkside kicks off at 4pm.

Grays go into the derby on the back of last Tuesday's encouraging 2-2 draw at Bishops Stortford. In contrast Tilbury have yet to win in their pre-season campaign and will be desperate to break their duck at the expense of the Blues.

Tilbury were also in action in midweek, losing 2-0 at home on Monday to Romford. That defeat followed on the back of a 2-2 weekend draw with Hutton.

Before Grays and the Dockers do battle, Aveley will play host to Southern Premier Central side Royston Town in a friendly that kicks off at 1pm.

The Millers will be in upbeat mode as their countdown to a return to the Isthmian Premier division included a convincing 3-0 midweek win at Brentwood Town.

Also buoyed in midweek, despite a defeat, were East Thurrock United who performed creditably in a 2-1 home defeat by Hornchurch. Former Rocks man Tom Wraight had fired the Urchins into a half time lead but Rocks were well in the game and the impressive Darnell Kithambo equalised for the home midway through the second period from the spot. However, Charlie Stimpson clinched a win for the visitors with six minutes left.

East Thurrock don't have a game today, but travel to Canvey Island on Tuesday.