Manager Steve McKimm says Tonbridge will treat Billericay no differently to any other side in the Bostik Premier.

Ricay are big favourites to win the league after heavy investment from owner/manager Glenn Tamplin.

The Essex club have former Premier League players Jamie O’Hara and Paul Konchesky in their squad and have offered ex-Liverpool man Jermaine Pennant a two-year deal.

They also have top non-league players such as Sam Deering and Adam Cunnington to call on with the big kick-off just over a week away.

Billericay are expected to walk the league but it’s not that simple, with Angels, Dulwich and Margate among the sides looking to challenge them.

Tonbridge, who start at home to Hendon next Saturday, host Billericay on New Year’s Day, with the return on Easter Monday.

McKimm said: “There’s one thing for sure, my players won’t just be up for Billericay, they’ll be up for every game.

“My team’s not going to change from playing Billericay to playing a Margate or a Hendon or a Dulwich or a Burgess Hill.

“You prepare for every game the same and you go out there and give the best account of yourself you can.

“As much as everyone’s got a glimmer of hope, let’s get it right, with the players Billericay have got, they should achieve their goal of winning the league."

Goals from Dan Thompson and Nathan Elder gave Angels a 2-1 friendly win over Whyteleafe on Saturday but their injury-hit side lost 3-2 to Chipstead on Tuesday night.

Andre McCollin’s penalty and Thompson put Tonbridge in charge but injuries to Liam Smith, Callum Adonis-Taylor and then goalscorer McCollin took their toll, with McKimm coming off the bench to play the last eight minutes.