IT might only be 90 days since Chelsea lifted the world's most famous knockout trophy, the FA Cup, but Essex Senior League clubs Stansted and Hullbridge Sports get this season's competition underway tonight.

The duo meet at the airport side's ground at 7.45pm.

Stansted are not given Saturday League games by the Essex Senior until September as the footballers share their ground with the town's cricket team.

So, after Hullbridge rejected a Sunday date, the Friday kick-off was the only alternative.

A whole host of other Senior League outfits start their Cup bids at the extra preliminary round stage tomorrow.

Southend Manor go to Cockfosters while Bowers and Pitsea visit Welwyn Garden City.

On Sunday Concord Rangers are at Biggleswade Town and Eton Manor host Colney Heath at Tilbury.

With Cup fever taking over, there's only two Senior League games tomorrow with Basildon United travelling to Enfield 1893 and Mauritius Sports and Pennant hosting Beaumont Athletic at Aveley.

>HAVING completed their pre-season build-up with an emphatic win over strongly-fancied Dover Athletic, East Thurrock United are confident ahead of tomorrow's Ryman Premier start.

They open their campaign at Boreham Wood before taking a trip, Chas and Dave style, down to Margate on Tuesday.

Boss Lee Patterson is confident that his team have what it takes to be successful this year.