BT Sport Bursts Back With A Big Bank Holiday Bonanza

The cameras are rolling for the first time since the Vanarama National League Promotion Final - and what’s more, four of the teams coming into focus are hopeful of a challenge at the top.

It’s a heavyweight Bank Holiday weekend schedule as the broadcaster serves up an early season treat.

First up on Saturday it’s a first visit to Roots Hall as Southend United aim to show everyone what they will bring to the party.

Playing outside the EFL for the first time in 101 years, they made a winning start - but it’s one of the title favourites standing in their way.

Stockport County head to the Essex coast needing to put a forgettable opening day to the back of their mind.

Southend captain Josh Coulson was happy with his team’s start, winning 1-0 at King’s Lynn Town - even if it wasn’t a polished performance by any stretch.

But he warned: “I know from all my years playing in the National League that this division takes no prisoners.

“We’re fully aware of what’s in front of us and thankfully we have a few players who know what it’s all about.

“It’s difficult for the club, no fans ever want to see their team relegated - and to drop out of the League after so long would have been a bitter pill to swallow.

“It was a similar situation when Leyton Orient went down. Hopefully I can play a part in getting Southend to back to where they belong too.”

Unlike Shrimpers manager Phil Brown, Stockport County manager Simon Rusk wasn’t happy with what he watched on the opening day.

Going ahead through John Rooney, a 3-1 defeat to Dagenham damaged the ego.

This is perhaps not the fixture he would have picked but bouncing back with victory will send out an early season message.

“We all have to take responsibility for what happened,” said the former Brighton coach following that Edgeley Park defeat.

“But I don't think we have to panic. It was an off day, and we have been punished for that.

“We would all have hoped that wasn't the result and equally that wasn't the performance.

“Maybe we didn't do our bit well enough and some of that is that they played well. We have to take it on the chin, have broad shoulders, accept it and move on.”

On Monday, it’s Wrexham’s turn in front of the nation as Notts County head to north Wales.

We’ll be bringing you a bumper preview following Saturday’s National League matches.

Click here for all of Saturday’s National League fixtures

Coverage of Southend United vs Stockport County gets underway on BT Sport 1HD at 5pm.