This week will see Tiptree United's preparations for their return to the Ridgeons Premier League continue with two games in two days - against opposition with very different aims and objectives for the 2008/09 season.

On Tuesday evening, the Jam-makers entertain Brian Statham's Heybridge Swifts side at Chapel Road. Swifts will be desperate to improve on last seasons struggle and will be praying for a quick return to promotion places in the Ryman Premier League.

Then, on Thursday evening, Colin Wallington's team face Championship side Ipswich Town, who will also be looking to improve on last season, but for different reasons. Ipswich missed out on last season's play-offs by a single point and manager Jim Magilton will be determined to take his side a step further this season.

Word has been given to officials at the Chapel Road club that the Championship side will be bringing a strong squad to face Tiptree and faces may well include new signing Kevin Lisbie from local rivals Colchester United.

Another possible face on the pitch is trialist Ben Thatcher, a left back of vast experience and who has played more than 300 times in the English top flight with clubs ranging from Wimbledon, Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic to Leicester City and Manchester City.

Tickets are on sale for this fixture from the ticket office at Ipswich Town FC, on request at www.tiptreeunited.com or from a couple of businesses in the village Chris's Fish Bar and Right's Estate Agents, both in Church Road.

It must be stressed to anyone interested in coming to the game on Thursday that it is not a ticket-only match - you will be able to pay on the day (£10 adults and £5 concessions).

Parking is going to be restricted, with the club car park reserved for players and officials, so parking will be available only on the roadside or in the spaces reserved for spectators at Wilkin's Jam Factory - head in via the Factory Hill entrance.

l Strong opponents are something Tiptree are used to, having faced League 1 side Colchester United last Wednesday. Colchester brought with them virtually their whole first team squad, including trialists and new record signing Steven Gillespie.

The first half was evenly matched and the teams went in 0-0 at the interval, but Colchester United completely changed their side in the second half and a hat-trick from Steven Gillespie and another goal from trialist Akaani-Sunday Wasiu showed Colchester's superiority. It provided them with a perfect start to their pre-season campaign with a 4-0 result over the Jam-makers in front of a strong crowd of almost 600 at Chapel Road.

Fixtures for the 2008/09 season have been released and Tiptree's return to the Ridgeons Premier League sees them make the long trip to Wisbech Town on the opening day of the season, Saturday August 9.

The following Tuesday, August 12, will see Tiptree's first home game of the new campaign when they entertain Harwich & Parkeston, with a 7.45pm kick-off.