The cricket season may be in full swing but plans for the forthcoming non-league football campaign start to hot up from this afternoon.

While the Ashes is dominating much of the sports coverage in the country, the region's finest teams outside of the Football League have been working hard on their fitness.And most players will be relieved to finally enjoy some game time after some punishing training sessions during the past couple of weeks.

King's Lynn Town started their schedule with a 2-1 win at Fakenham Town last Saturday and are back in action today when they make the short trip to fierce rivals Wisbech Town. The Fenmen stunned Gary Setchell's Linnets last summer with a 4-1 thumping on their own turf to claim pre-season bragging rights.

But it was a result, and the subsequent criticism that followed, which helped The Walks chief create a siege mentality that would help his heroes win Evo-Stik Divsion One South and record back-to-back promotions.

Step Four outfits Wroxham and Dereham Town are both on the road as they kick-off their programme. The latter visit Deeping Rangers while the former travel to Hadleigh United.

Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Gorleston begin by hosting higher-level Leiston while Kirkley & Pakefield welcome lower-level Beccles Town. Diss Town are at Ipswich Wanderers and Swaffham Town – who drew 1-1 at Chatteris Town last week – visit Quorn.

Finally, Fakenham host a Norwich City XI in a friendly to commemorate two loyal supporters of both clubs. The clash at Clipbush Park will be held in memory of Geoffrey Riches and Ted Edge.

Riches was a loyal City fan for more than 60 years and had a keep interest in all local sport. He died, aged 86, in March this year the day after collapsing on his way out of Carrow Road following Norwich's 0-0 draw with Southampton.

Edge, who died aged 80 in February, had followed the Canaries for more than 65 years – 45 of which were as a season-ticket holder. He watched all of the games during City's memorable FA Cup run of 1959. A raffle will be held at the match with the winning prize being a new Norwich shirt. All funds from it will be split between the two families to go to respective charities of their choice.

One side who expected to taking to the field, and now look like they won't, are Great Yarmouth Town. Their home fixture against Dunstable Town was called off yesterday when their opponents cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.