This matchup will be our first of two trips to Woodside Stadium in a week, with the boys in yellow and blue also set to face Benfleet in the Emirates FA Cup next weekend, Saturday 3rd August.

Ahead of the opening day, manager Shane Baptiste has a message for the fans: "Really looking forward to starting our 2024/2025 campaign and creating more good memories, bringing success to the club.

We'll most definitely need your support throughout the entire upcoming season."

The Woods

Woodford come into this season opener having completed an unbeaten pre-season campaign, which culminated with us beating step four Walthamstow by one goal to nil at our Whitbreads Training Ground.

As we get the season up and running in Essex tomorrow, it will also be a first chance for Woods fans to see our new signings and retained players in competitive action. Last season's top goalscorer Marko Protic, and Club captain James Jewers, are expected to be involved, whilst new singings Manny Agboola, Micah Jackson and Tashan Richmond could all make their debuts.

The opposition

Formed in 1922, the newly promoted side will be making their debut at step five of the non-league pyramid, following their promotion from the Thurlow Nunn First Division South as league champions. It will also be their second debut at Woodside Stadium, having been forced to play at Canvey Island's Park Lane due to their ground not meeting the required standards.

The Fleet, who scored 108 goals in the league last season, have managed to retain their top scorer Rhys Fatt - he scored 22 of their goals in the Thurlow Nunn during 23/24, and will be looking for a way past the Woods on the opening day of the season.