After over three months out, Brightlingsea Regent finally return to competitive action tomorrow, as we take on United Counties League Premier Division South side Histon FC in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

After eight pre-season friendlies, which saw us beat Hutton FC, AFC Pegasus, Halstead Town and Harwich & Parkeston FC, draw against Braintree Town and Barking, and only suffer defeat twice against Aveley and Stanway Rovers, Ryan Salter's lads face their first competitive test.

It will likely be a first competitive Brightlingsea Regent appearance for the new signings, alongside a welcome return for the familiar faces from last season, as well as Marley Andrews, who fits into both categories!

Histon FC do not explicitly state any information regarding the ticket prices or availability of food and drink on social media, but nonetheless, we can confirm the fixture will take place at the Camtech & Caprice stadium (formerly known as Bridge Road Stadium) at 3PM on Saturday 8th August.

We wish Regent luck for the qualifier, and safe travels to all the supporters making the journey to Cambridgeshire!

A look at the opposition:

Histon FC (nicknamed the Stutes) were founded in 1904, and currently play their league football in the United Counties League Premier Division South, step nine of the English Football Pyramid and step five of non-league.

They play their football at the Camtech & Caprice Stadium (albeit more well known as Bridge Road Stadium), located in Impington, Cambridgeshire, which was opened in 1962.

Their highest ever position in the pyramid occurred in 2008/2009, finishing third in the Conference National (now known as the National League), however, suffered defeat on aggregate against Torquay United in the semi-finals.
In the same year, Histon's most successful FA Cup run in their history took place, reaching the third round of the competition in style. Round One kicked off the run, with a convincing win over Swindon, immediately followed by a stunning win over former European heavyweight Leeds United, with a goal through part-time footballer and full-time postman Matt Langston.

Unfortunately, the Stutes lost to Swansea City at home in the third round, ending an iconic cup run.