Canvey Island will look to advance once again in the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday, as they host fellow Isthmian League Premier side Horsham at the Steves Taxis Stadium.

Our Opponents
The Hornets are a club excelling across the board in recent years, going from strength to strength following their 2019 promotion back to Step 3 and their subsequent move to a new stadium. In that time, they’ve seen themselves crowned Isthmian Cup champions in 2022 and Sussex Senior Cup Champions in 2024, make the playoffs in the 23/24 season - where they'd eventually fall to finalists Chatham Town after a penalty shootout - and have reached a minimum of the 1st Round Proper of the Emirates FA Cup three times in the last 4 years, with their latest bow due to take place next weekend away at League 2 side Chesterfield.

They have been a big force in the league in front of increasing crowds at their new Hop Oast home, and come into this game currently in 8th place in the league, with two games in hand over most of the sides above them. Their last match saw them pick a 2-0 Sussex derby win against Lewes on Saturday. They made this round of the competition after a penalty shootout win away at Southern League Central side Leiston in the 3rd Qualifying Round.

Manager Dominic Di Paola has over the last few seasons, assembled a side to take the club to the next step, with a mix of local talent and experienced Isthmian League names. Players like Lee Harding and Chris Dickson have seen plenty of football at this level, whilst others like Charlie Hester-Cook and Harvey Sparks have become popular names at the club.

The two sides met twice in the league last season, with the Hornets winning 2-1 on both occasions.

The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, picked up another vital three points at home on Tuesday evening, as they overcame Carshalton Athletic 1-0 at the Steves Taxis Stadium.

A single goal from Jamie Salmon was enough to settle the score and earn them their 1st home league win this season, bumping them up to 13th in the table in the process.

They come into this round of the competition after a 2-1 win away at Isthmian North side Maldon & Tiptree in the 3rd Qualifying Round, with goals from Sonny Hart and Tom Stephen seeing them progress to the proper rounds.

The Gulls are one of only 3 Isthmian League sides to win the competition outright, beating Forest Green Rovers in the 2001 final at Villa Park, with Ben Chenery getting the winner in a 1-0 victory. They last progressed beyond the 1st Round back in the 21/22 season, where after beating Yaxley 6-0 at Park Lane, they were defeated 1-0 by National League South side Tonbridge Angels in Round 2.

***
Yellow Army, we thank you once again for your excellent support on Tuesday evening, making it another special night under the lights at Park Lane.

The squad will need your support again on Saturday afternoon as Trophy fever once again grips the crowd. With another challenging match expected, be the voice as our 12th man and see our boys into the next round!

Come on you Gulls!

Kick Off - 3:00pm

Admission Prices^
Adults - £12
Concessions - £8
U16s - £3*

*Accompanied by an Adult.
^ Season Tickets are NOT valid for this fixture.

Merchandise
We'll have a range of club merchandise on sale in the clubhouse, including the new 24/25 kits!

Parking
Parking at the Steves Taxis Stadium is free to all but limited to first come / first serve. Additional parking can be found on the adjacent side roads, but please be mindful of our neighbours if using this option. Parking on Park Lane itself is also strongly advised against.

In The Clubhouse
We have a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks stocked in the clubhouse.
Hot food and drink is also available in our outdoor kiosks. Please remember that these kiosks are currently cash only.

We also have live Premier League and EFL Championship action on our big screens in the clubhouse, including:

12:30pm
Coventry City vs Luton Town

5:30pm
Everton vs Fulham