Newton Aycliffe’s Northern League side begin their league campaign at Danny Mellanby’s Marske United this weekend.
Peter Dixon’s side suffered a disappointing FA Cup replay defeat at home to Washington on Tuesday night, losing 2-0 and falling at the first hurdle of the famous competition.
The replay followed their 2-2 draw at Washington last weekend.
But Aycliffe, who finished a record sixth-place in the Northern League first division last season, will be hoping to bounce back in their opening league fixture of the 2016-17 campaign at the GER Stadium on Saturday.
Marske, with former Aycliffe player and manager Mellanby as their head coach, finished league runners-up last year after winning the title in 2015.
The Seasiders kicked off the new season last Saturday with a 3-1 FA Cup win at home to South Shields, Aycliffe’s league visitors to Moore Lane Park next Tuesday night.
Aycliffe completed a league double over Marske last season, winning 2-1 in both fixtures.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 3pm.
Aycliffe continue their league campaign at home to South Shields on Tuesday night (7.30pm) when ex-Sunderland and Boro midfielder Julio Arca is expected to feature for the visitors.