Shrimpers friendly expected to lure bumper crowd

Great Wakering Rovers are hoping for another record-breaking crowd at Burroughs Park when they kick off against Southend United in their first warm-up friendly for next season's Ryman North campaign.

Rovers officials announced on Wednesday that Phil Brown's newly promoted League One-bound play-off winners are arriving on Wednesday July 15. When the clubs met in the summer of 2005, a crowd of 1050 turned out after the Shrimpers had just won promotion to the Championship and after their success at Wembley in May, Rovers are hoping for another bumper gate and money-spinning fixture.

As in previous years, Rovers' Football League neighbours have promised to bring their entire first team squad as well as youth players and trialists for the 7.45pm kick-off. Rovers say tickets will be available on the gate with prices due to be released shortly.

A spokesman added: "This is a great way to see the Southend United players up close and to enjoy the first bit of football since the end of last season."

To view the latest friendly fixtures involving Ryman League throughout the summer, click on the 'Match Info' tab on the home page. Club officials should continue to send amendments and fixtures as they are booked with kick-off times to: dwatters@isthmianleague.co.uk.

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