GRAVESEND & Northfleet expect a bumper crowd tonight when Conference football returns to Stonebridge Road for the first time since 1982 with the visit of runners-up Dagenham & Redbridge (Kick-off 7.45pm).

The Fleet, founder members of the old Alliance Premier League before relegation, will be looking to mark the occasion with a win after coming to within a minute of beating Conference title favourites and FA Trophy holders Yeovil in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Dorchester.

Defender Nick Burton admitted: "When the fixtures came out and we looked at the first four games we thought this would sort out the men from the boys. Yeovil, then Dagenham, they really don't come much harder than that."

Manager Andy Ford has a doubt about midfielder Steve McKimm who had to be helped off just before half time on Saturday with a pulled muscle. Robert Owen, who replaced him, could keep his place.