Two of the Southern Counties East League Premier Division's fancied sides will go head-to-head on the first day of the new season.

The league released the opening matches on Saturday morning with the big kick-off just three weeks away.

Tunbridge Wells will entertain Ernie Batten's Sheppey United at Culverden Stadium in the pick of the matches.

Chatham also face a challenging opener, with a trip to Deal Town for Scott Lindsey's men.

If last season was anything to go by, then expect goals as Canterbury host Tower Hamlets - the teams drew 5-5 in the reverse fixture last year - while the three newly-promoted teams all start on the road.

Kennington make the trip to Punjab United, Rusthall are at Fisher and K Sports host Holmesdale.

There's also a full round of midweek games in the top flight with Tunbridge Wells at K Sports on Monday, August 2.

Chatham host Canterbury the following evening, Sheppey visit Kennington and Lordswood are at home to Deal.

Rusthall's first home game back in the top flight is on Wednesday, August 4 against Holmesdale.

The Division 1 campaign also gets under way on July 31.

Newcomers Larkfield and Staplehurst both start on the road, at Bridon Ropes and Croydon respectively. Faversham Strike Force make the trip to Sutton Athletic.

Snodland Town are at home to another of the division's newcomers as they entertain Westside.

Opening week fixtures:

SATURDAY 31 JULY

Premier Division

Bearsted v Glebe, Canterbury City v Tower Hamlets, Crowborough Ath v Welling Town, Deal Town v Chatham Town, Erith & Belvedere v Hollands & Blair, Erith Town v Lordswood, Fisher v Rusthall, K Sports v Holmesdale, Punjab United v Kennington, Tunbridge Wells v Sheppey United.

First Division

Bridon Ropes v Larkfield & New Hythe, Croydon v Staplehurst Monarchs Utd, Lydd Town v Lewisham Borough, Rochester United v Meridian, SC Thamesmead v FC Elmstead, Snodland Town v Westside, Stansfeld v Greenways, Sutton Athletic v Faversham Strike Force.

MONDAY 2 AUGUST

Premier Division

K Sports v Tunbridge Wells.

TUESDAY 3 AUGUST

Premier Division

Bearsted v Crowborough Ath, Chatham Town v Canterbury City, Fisher v Welling Town, Glebe v Erith Town, Kennington v Sheppey United, Lordswood v Deal Town, Punjab United v Hollands & Blair.

WEDNESDAY 4 AUGUST

Premier Division

Rusthall v Holmesdale, Tower Hamlets v Erith & Belvedere.

• FA Cup draws

• FA Vase draws