The teams were Ryman League division one north rivals for the last two seasons, and unbeaten Brentwood currently top the division with nine wins from their 12 games, the latest a 3-1 victory at Ware on Tuesday night.

Tracey and manager Nicky Smith watched the game. "They are a hard-working side who have a winning habit, and we will have to be at our best," said Tracey.

But AFC, having built a team almost from scratch during the close-season, have also made a good start, and currently lie third in the Southern League Midland division, having briefly been second after the weekend's 4-2 victory over Barton Rovers.

"Apart from a couple of disappointing results, we have been steadily improving," said Tracey. "The team spirit is high, and winning and scoring four goals in each of the last three games helps breed confidence."

AFC face a demanding eight days, with results from their next three matches, as Tracey puts it, "shaping the season".

On Tuesday, unless a Trophy replay is required, the team is at struggling Rothwell in the league, and then leaders Leamington are at King's Marsh on October 25.

The tough spell kicked off last night with a Suffolk Premier Cup tie at Woodbridge, a match missed by Curtis Haynes-Brown because of work commitments.

On Saturday AFC expect to have almost a full squad to select from. Sam Clarke will miss the game as he completes a three-match ban.

The squad has, in the last week, undergone changes, with Danny Stokes, Jamie Ricks, Danny Shipton and Neil Cogger all moving out, and Darren Mills coming in.

Stokes, who has had injury problems, is on a month's loan at Tiptree. "We haven't been able to get him enough time on the pitch," said Tracey, "and this move helps him and both clubs."

The arrival of Kevin Hawes, who scored six goals in his first three games for the club, meant opportunities for Ricks would have been limited.

Shipton, another player not holding down a regular place, is now assistant reserve team manager at Braintree Town. "It was an opportunity for him," said Tracey, "and we couldn't stand in his way."

Cogger, who works in the Met, has had availability problems, and is returning to Haverhill Rovers. AFC retain his registration and can call on him if needed.

Darren Mills, recently released by Tiptree, was on the bench against Barton Rovers last Saturday, and played for the Reserves in the 1-0 defeat at Braintree on Tuesday.