l THE MATCH: Sixteen weeks after Canvey Island were relegated, they face an Isthmian North opener against the same side they faced the day they went down.

AFC Sudbury host the Gulls tomorrow, with both clubs looking to bounce back at the first time of asking.

And both will be expected to challenge near the top come the end of April.

Canvey lost a number of players over the summer, but have also brought in a host of established players at this level.

The same can be said for the Suffolk side though, so who will draw first blood tomorrow?

l THE INSIGHT: “It is a tricky start,” said Gulls manager Danny Heale.

“We played Sudbury in the final game of last season and the start to the season as a whole is a difficult one.

“But I believe we have a side that is too good for this league and now we need to prove it.

“Pre-season served its purpose and we only let ourselves down in the second half of the Concord Rangers match. But the fitness levels are right up there and no-one remembers pre-season results once the season starts.

“We will be going into some games a bit blind as we haven’t competed in this league for nine years. You lose a bit of touch but I believe there are 10/12 teams that could be up and around it come the end of the season.

“This squad is better than the one I started last season with so I feel confident.”

l THE TEAM NEWS: David Knight, Ashley Dumas and Jerrome Sobers are all unavailable, although Heale’s only injury worry is over George Sykes (knee).