Colchester United kick off league 1 with a long trip to Exeter City. They’ll be hoping to avoid defeat especially in the same manner they lost last season. The 2-0 defeat at the beginning of April summed up the end of the season for Colchester United; a disappointing performance in a match where we really should have attacked from the off and walked away with 3 points and a clean sheet.
Forget that though, first game often means nothing in relation to the rest of the season, beating Norwich 7-1? Point proved.
Dagenham & Redbridge begin life in League 1 with a dream away fixture at relegated Sheffield Wednesday. With no pressure on Daggers at all, I fancy them to spring a surprise – even a draw would be a brilliant result. This will be a great day for all Daggers fans and staff.
Southend United and their new look squad welcome Stockport County to Roots Hall on the opening day. Both relegated from League 1 last season and suffering monetary problems must be looking to bounce straight back up. I hope so anyway, I miss the rivalry already!
Braintree Town commence their season with a home fixture against newly promoted Farnborough. Farnborough ran away with the ‘Zamaretto Premier League’ title last season, so they’ll be no push-overs. Braintree have replaced striker George Purcell with ex Colchester United youth team product, Jamie Guy. Guy seemed to lose his way at Colchester and went out on loan to several clubs, hopefully regular football and goals will help rekindle the potential U’s fans saw in him.
Chelmsford City The Clarets travel to Basingstoke Town on the 14th August, Chelmsford will be hoping to improve on their playoff disappointment last season and push for promotion to the Conference Premier.
AFC Hornchurch begin their campaign on the 21st August, against Cray Wanderers. Horchurch struggled against the Wanderers last season having been defeated twice and not managing to score in either fixture. AFC will want to end this run of poor form against Cray and start another season in the Ryman Premier well.
Billericay Town face Tonbridge Angels at home first game of the season. Tonbridge will feel like last season was an opportunity missed having missed out on the play-offs due to a poor run-in, picking up a mere 4 points from their last 5 games. The Blues strengthened their squad with the signing of widely experienced midfielder Micah Hyde and will hope to see what their current squad can achieve.
Canvey Island make the trip around the Thames estuary to visit Margate for their season opener. Finishing just 5 points above Margate last season, Canvey will be wanting to start well and grab what could be a crucial 3 points come the end of the season. Canvey will want to repeat last season’s good form against Margate last season which included a 2-1 away win.
Aveley FC travel to Horsham on the first day of the season on the back of a strong season in the Ryman Premier. Despite losing their manager and many players to Braintree Town, Aveley fans will see how this season unfolds under the guidance of Alan Kimble.
Camulodunum
