GREAT Wakering Rovers manager Iain O’Connell says he is pleased at his team’s early fixtures ahead of the new Isthmian North season.

Rovers, who were crowned Essex Senior League champions last term, begin against Romford at East Thurrock United’s FutureFuel Stadium.

They also face fellow newcomers Felixstowe & Walton United and Basildon United before the season enters September.

And O’Connell says he is pleased after a good run-out against Southend United in their first game of pre-season.

“I don’t mind that start although we have to play all teams,” he said. “But it seems a good start. Felixstowe we don’t know much about but that will be a case for a number of teams.

“All of the opening three games will be tough but we are getting a squad together that can more than cope in this league.

“We have a good mixture. We played Southend and the boys did themselves proud.

“We defended well, despite losing 5-0, and are still learning to play with each other. I am looking at trialists and I am pleased where we are at.”

Unusually, Great Wakering are without a game on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

O’Connell joked he was looking forward to taking in another game over the festive period.

And he also said he wanted to secure their league status ahead of the run-in, with matches against Maldon & Tiptree, Bowers & Pitsea and Dereham Town ending Wakering’s campaign.

“It is a tricky run-in and we want to be safe by then,” he said.

“There are big sides in this league. Grays, Bowers and Canvey will be tough as they have bigger budgets but when I was playing these are the ones you look forward to.”

l Wakering have appointed Dave Patient as the club’s new chairman.

Great Wakering Rovers fixtures:

August: 11 Romford (A), 18 Felixstowe & Walton United (H), 27 Basildon United (A)

September: 1 Brentwood Town (H), 15 Bury Town (A), 22 Dereham Town (H), 25 Canvey Island (A), 29 Barking (H)

October: 6 Grays Athletic (A), 20 Witham Town (H)

November: 3 AFC Sudbury (H), 10 Aveley (A), 17 Heybridge Swifts (H), 24 Soham Town Rangers (A)

December: 1 Tilbury (H), 8 Mildenhall Town (H), 15 Coggeshall Town (A), 22 Basildon United (H), 29 Bowers & Pitsea (A)

January: 5 Maldon & Tiptree (H), 12 Brentwood Town (A), 19 Romford (H), 26 Felixstowe & Walton United (A)

February: 2 Barking (A), 5 Canvey Island (H), 9 Grays Athletic (H), 16 Witham Town (A), 23 AFC Sudbury (A)

March: 2 Aveley (H), 9 Heybridge Swifts (A), 16 Soham Town Rangers (H), 23 Tilbury (A), 30 Coggeshall Town (H)

April: 6 Mildenhall Town (A), 13 Bury Town (H), 20 Maldon & Tiptree (A), 22 Bowers & Pitsea (H), 27 Dereham Town (A)