Last season’s FA Cup giantkillers Cray Valley PM play Dartford on day one in Pitching In Isthmian Premier.
Cray took Charlton Athletic to a replay in last year’s first round and doubled up their cup exploits by winning promotion to Step 3 for the first time in their history. In contrast, Dartford were surprisingly relegated from National League South having reached the play-offs in the previous three completed seasons.
Danny Bloor’s first game in charge of Hastings United is home to Horsham, who reached the play-offs and FA Cup 2nd Round last term.
Last year’s other top five sides, Chatham Town and Wingate & Finchley, are away to Lewes and home to Dulwich Hamlet respectively.
Ambitious duo Billericay Town and Whitehawk meet on the opening day at New Lodge.
Billericay missed out on the play-offs last season by three points while Whitehawk have made some eye-catching signings under new boss Ross McNeilly.
Folkestone Invicta and Carshalton Athletic will both look to improve on bottom half finishes last term. They meet on day one while Folkestone’s near rivals Dover Athletic travel to Potters Bar Town, the Whites’ first game after relegation.
Hendon’s first game back in the Isthmian Premier after six years in the Southern League is home to Bowers & Pitsea.
The remaining first matches see Cheshunt face Bognor Regis Town, Chichester City host Canvey Island and Hashtag United home to Cray Wanderers.
Opening day fixtures in full:
Billericay Town vs Whitehawk
Cheshunt vs Bognor Regis Town
Chichester City vs Canvey Island
Cray Valley PM vs Dartford
Folkestone Invicta vs Carshalton Athletic
Hashtag United vs Cray Wanderers
Hastings United vs Horsham
Hendon vs Bowers & Pitsea
Lewes vs Chatham Town
Potters Bar Town vs Dover Athletic
Wingate & Finchley vs Dulwich Hamlet
