An exclusive look inside Holland FC's new Eastcliff home

After months of anticipation, the ambitious Thurlow Nunn League division one south side are preparing for the very first match at their brand new Eastcliff home.

Gazette sports reporter Matt Plummer was invited for a look behind the scenes ahead of Saturday's pre-season friendly at home to Essex Senior League side Clapton (kick-off 3pm).

It will be Holland's first game at the ground and kick-starts a busy week, with further matches to come against Brantham Athletic on Tuesday and Stanway Rovers next Saturday.

Then comes the club's big summer event when a Holland Allstars side are taking on a Legends team featuring former Premier League players on July 29.

"We're so pleased and proud of our new facilities," said Holland assistant manager Steve Davis.

"It still feels a bit surreal, to be honest.

"So much hard work has gone into making this vision a reality and the players are going to love playing here.

"It's going to bring the best out of them, for sure.

"It's a real buzz for everyone involved and now we're hoping the local community get behind us and enjoy the facilities too."

The Legends line-up is set to include the likes of ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder David Howells and Northern Ireland winger Kevin Horlock, who graced Manchester City and West Ham.

Former Bolton Wanderers, Reading and Portsmouth man Glen Little is also scheduled to appear, as are ex-Spurs pair Stuart Nethercott and Johnnie Jackson.

There will also be a strong Colchester United presence.

In addition to Jackson, former team-mates Kem Izzet, Karl Duguid, Kevin Watson and Jamie Cureton are due to head to the coast along with ex-Ipswich Town man Darren Currie and Royle Family actor Ralf Little.

Gates will open at 12pm with the match getting underway at 1pm.