SIXTEEN teams will do battle in next season's Tolleshunt D'Arcy Memorial Cup.

That number is up six on last year's entry for the competition, which was won by Bostik League premier division side Brightlingsea Regent.

It means there are now enough teams to have a full round prior to the quarter-finals.

The competition raises money for the Essex FA's Benevolent Fund.

The first-round draw has been made and the line-up is Hullbridge Sports v Great Bentley, Burnham Ramblers v Little Oakley, Maldon and Tiptree v Halstead Town, Brightlingsea v Tiptree Heath, Wormingford Wanderers v FC Clacton, Witham Town v Heybridge Swifts, Kelvedon Social v Alresford Colne Rangers and Springfield v Coggeshall United.

Regent lifted last season's silverware after a 1-0 success against Tendring neighbours Clacton, at the Taydal Stadium.

The R's have now fixed a date for their first-round match against Tiptree Heath and they will begin their defence of the cup on Wednesday, August 8 (kick-off 7.45pm).

It will be played on the eve of the new Bostik League season, which is due to start on August 11.