New football season kicks off this weekend

It feels like just yesterday that the curtain came down on the 2015/16 season, a season that brought us much excitement and drama throughout the season.

What followed the conclusion to the last campaign has been an extraordinarily busy summer of expansion with the acquisition of 24 new teams to the ranks and, subsequently, a brand new fifth tier to the league.

We welcome all of our new clubs aboard and wish you every success for the season ahead.

We now look ahead to the opening weekend of fixtures as the 2016/17 season formally gets underway with a fixture list of 19 league matches and 1 charity cup clash involving Corinthian clubs.

PREMIER DIVISION

Kicking off the action this season in the Premier Division will be two new sides to the league in the shape of Downs and Lactico. Both sides have shown good pedigree and will be keen to lay down a marker early doors.

One of last season’s high-flyers, Repton Park, will begin the new campaign with fresh optimism and will open their campaign at home to new side, Quality Control.

Also new to the league this season are Waltham & District Sunday League champions, Upshire, who arrive with good pedigree and open up their season against newly promoted Valentines United who will look to begin their top flight endeavours with a positive performance.

DIVISION ONE

Aldborough Hatch’s return to Division One on Sunday sees them hosting new Corinthian outfit, Valley Park, who make their debut in the league this weekend.

The Division Two champions, Dagenham United, make their bow in Division One on opening weekend with a trip to face Barking at Mayesbrook Park, keen to continue the success that they had last season.

There’s a battle of two new sides at Fords where Barking & Dagenham Wanderers take on the returning Chingford Celtic with early points firmly on the agenda for both sides.

Rounding things off, Korona Redbridge make their league debut on Sunday as they host Warren United Reserves at the Flats.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, kicking us off is battle between two new sides to the league as Docklands Albion host Waltham Athletic on the opening day, both looking to put a decent pre-season showing to effect in the league.

There’s a battle between two of last season’s cup specialists as FC Mexico, having appeared in three cup finals, look to bring that form into the league as they host Corinthian Cup finalists, Lonsdale, on the first weekend.

Promoted Westferry Elite will be looking to carry on from a solid first campaign as they take on Park Tavern, with bookmakers having Tavern at short odds for a successful year.

DIVISION THREE

Alliance United kick off the Division Three action with an opening day fixture against FC United of Hornchurch with both looking to get off to a good start this season.

New side, Alpha, are in action on the first weekend as they host last season’s Division Three Cup winners, Wanstead United, in an exciting looking match-up.

Two more of the new sides to the league also meet as Fairlop Rangers host Upshire Reserves at their Walthamstow home with both looking to kick off their seasons in style.

Finally, two further new sides go head-to-head as the famed Ridgeway Rovers travel to Chigwell to take on Partizan CMC in their opening day fixture.

DIVISION FOUR

Central Colts kick us off in Division Four as they look to improve on their first season with an opening day fixture against new side, William Fitt at Castle Green.

Two of last season’s mid-table outfits, Epping Forest Falcons and Goresbrook, meet at Ashton Playing Fields with both sides looking to get off to a fast start once again this season and hit the front early.

Grey Area and Chinglow are two new sides to the league and they meet at Warren Sports Centre on the opening day of the season with both looking to build on decent pre-season showings.

Heathside are under new management and they are looking to make a solid start to their campaign as they take on newly formed Hornchurch Oakmont in the opening game of the season.

Two new sides complete our Division Four action with Oak Royals taking on SL Menfica on the opening weekend at Fords Newbury Park.

WEST ESSEX SUNDAY CHARITY CUP

An intriguing opening clash in the West Essex Sunday Charity Cup sees Division One side Emerson Park take on an early challenge as they host newly promoted Premier Division outfit, Flanders, in the first round. Best of luck to both sides in the competition.

We wish all sides kicking off their seasons this weekend the best of luck for the 8 months ahead.