CANVEY Island and Hullbridge Sports are set to go head-to-head in an eye-catching local derby in the first round of the Essex Thameside Trophy.

The Isthmian North duo will meet at the Gulls’ Park Lane home as the competition gets underway.

Mark Bentley will be looking to win silverware in his first full season as Canvey boss, while Darren Manning’s Hullbridge are sure to be on a high after clinching the Essex Senior League title on the final day of last term.

Also in round one, Basildon United face a trip to Barkingside.

John Sussex’s side will be strong favourites to progress as their hosts suffered relegation from the Essex Senior League last season.

Great Wakering Rovers are set to welcome Ilford to Burroughs Park.

All of the round one fixtures must be played before the end of August.

And the sides competing in round one already know who they will face in the second round of the competition should they progress.

A trip to Rookery Hill to face John Coventry’s East Thurrock United is the reward for the side that comes out on top in the tie between Wakering and Ilford.

White Ensign, who will ply their trade in the Eastern Senior League Division One South for a second consecutive campaign, are set to host their home fixtures at Wakering’s Burroughs Park in the forthcoming season.

And Brett Munyard’s side have a home tie against Basildon or Barkingside to look forward to.

Bowers & Pitsea, fresh from getting their hands on the Isthmian North title, will make the short trip to Parkside for an encounter with Grays Athletic.

National League South side Concord Rangers, with Danny Scopes at the helm, will welcome Aveley to the Aspect Arena.

The winners of the first round contest between Canvey and Hullbridge are scheduled to have a home tie to look forward to.

Hornchurch, of the Isthmian Premier League, will be the visitors.

Meetings in the second round of the Essex Thameside Trophy will take place before the end of October.