City’s initial pre-season friendly on their travels this season will see them take on Ryman League Division One North neighbours Maldon & Tiptree for the very first time since their rebranding over the summer.

The club from the Wallace Binder Stadium, formerly known as Maldon Town, have overhauled their squad during the close season and are viewed as one of the promotion challengers in their division following a change of management which has seen them strengthen their squad in a bid to return to Premier Division football.

City, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to select skipper Dave Rainford upon his return from holiday though assessments will be made on the condition of Marlon Patterson and Matthew Lock before deciding whether they will feature. Both have minor knocks and Head Coach Glenn Pennyfather may choose not to risk them.

Early Draws Conducted For Essex Senior Cup: Although the Clarets are exempt until Round Three with the rest of the clubs from Ryman League level and above, the Essex Senior Cup got underway for this season after the draws for Rounds One and Two took place at BBC Essex Headquarters on Wednesday.

Tilbury Manager Paul Vaughan pulled out the home teams on air while Essex County FA Chief Executive Phil Sammons drew the away clubs. Halstead Town host last year’s quarter-finalists Hullbridge Sports in the only First Round game, competing for the right to entertain Ridgeons League Division One promotees FC Clacton. Two of the Essex Senior League’s challengers, Burnham Ramblers and Witham Town, were paired together while Bowers & Pitsea, conquerors of Southend United last year, begin with Barkingside.

First Round (on or before 11th September): Halstead Town vs Hullbridge Sports. Second Round (on or before 9th October): Stansted vs Stanway Rovers, London APSA vs Basildon United, Halstead Town or Hullbridge Sports vs FC Clacton, Barking vs Takeley, Southend Manor vs Eton Manor, Burnham Ramblers vs Witham Town, Wivenhoe Town vs Saffron Walden Town, Bowers & Pitsea vs Barkingside.

Meanwhile, AFC Hornchurch and Colchester United will receive a pre-season boost when they meet at Bridge Avenue for the final of last year’s competition next Tuesday, 3rd August, at 7:45pm. The initial attempt to play this game in March was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and admission on the night will be priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for accompanied under 16s. See www.essexfa.com for more.