THREE of the borough's non-league sides will start their FA Trophy journeys this evening (Tuesday, 13 September).

The first qualifying round ties in non-League's premier cup competition were due to be played on Saturday but were postponed as a mark of respect following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

They have been rescheduled and tonight East Thurrock United will play host to Sutton Common Rovers of the Isthmian South Central Division.

Rovers have had a mixed start to the season, bowing out of the FA in the extra preliminary round after a replay against Fisher and in the league they have won two and lost two. In contrast East Thurrock have enjoyed two FA Cup wins but have lost all four of their Isthmian North matches.

The winners of tonight's tie will travel to Lancing or Cray Valley PM.

Grays Athletic will make the short trip over the QEII bridge to play VCD Athletic at the Oakwood Ground in Crayford.

VCD have won one and drawn one of their four league matches, which are at the same level in the non-League pyramid as their visitors, who have drawn two and lost and drawn the others.  

VCD were dumped out of the FA Cup 5-1 by Carshalton Athletic while Grays continue their journey in that competition at home to Shefford Town and Campton at the weekend.

The winners of tonight's Trophy tie will be home to Isthmian South Central Merstham, who won through last night with a 3-0 home win against Hythe Town – their first win of the season - but they sit bottom of their division with just one point.

Tilbury will play host at Chadfields this evening to Whitehawk, who are second in the Isthmian South East Division, with ten points from their opening four matches.

Like Tilbury, they are out of the FA Cup, losing after a replay to K Sports in the extra preliminary round but their unbeaten league form, which is almost matched by Tilbury's eight point haul from four matches suggests tonight's tie will be an evenly-contested game. The winners will be away to Tooting and Mitcham or Corinthian. Second round qualifying matches will be on Saturday, 24 September.

Tonight's matches will be played to a conclusion, with extra time and penalties if necessary. Winners tonight will pick up £1,500, the losers receive £400.