Boss Reece Prestedge believes Hornchurch are the Isthmian Premier title favourites - as Margate prepare to visit them tonight.
Both clubs head into the match (kick-off 7.45pm) after opening-day Isthmian Premier triumphs. Player-coach Phil Roberts bagged a brace for Gate in their 2-1 home success against newly-promoted Whitehawk on Saturday while Hornchurch, now managed by ex-Millwall, Leeds and Norwich striker Steve Morison, won at Horsham by the same scoreline.
Margate also have matches against Concord and Cheshunt - relegated from National League South - and a Bank Holiday derby at Folkestone to come before the end of a tricky first month.
Prestedge said: “Hornchurch are probably favourites to win it, in my opinion. “Then we have got Concord, Cheshunt and Folkestone so we’ve got quite a tough run.