Home friendlies are set to take Billericay, Canvey and Great Wakering a major step closer to finalising their plans ahead of the Ryman League kick-off on Saturday week.

Canvey, who face Tonbridge Angels after a fluctuating pre-season to date, are still trying to boost their large squad and have manager Jeff King back this weekend following his holiday in America.

Premier Division rivals Billericay, whose boss Gary Calder is busy wheeling and dealing on the transfer front, play their New Lodge "tenants" Chelmsford City.

Division Three side Great Wakering Rovers, who host Premier Division Gravesend & Northfleet in their fourth friendly on Saturday, are still unable to field all their new signings.

Newly-promoted Rovers lost creditably to Ryman clubs Romford and Billericay before fielding a younger side in a 4-2 defeat at Canvey-based Concord Rangers.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.