Canvey Island will look to book their place in the semi final of the BBC Essex Senior Cup on Tuesday evening, as they travel to Isthmian North side Brightlingsea Regent in the Quarter Finals.

Our Opponents
The R's play their trade at Step 4 in the Isthmian League North, where they've remained for the last 2 seasons following their relegation from the Isthmian Premier in the 22/23 season. In that time, they've regrouped and rebuild. Previous manager Brett Munyard left his role as R's chief this season, replaced by Ryan Salter in the dugout.

He has hit the ground running, with his side just two points outside of the playoff places at the time of writing, with a game in hand on their nearest rivals. They've been in great form, picking up 15 points from their last 6 games.

Like ourselves, they were in action last Tuesday, continuing their winning run as they defeated Basildon United 3-1 away from home. They progressed to this round of the competition back in mid November, taking the scalp of National League South side Aveley in a 2-1 win at North Road.

They'll now be looking to go the furthest they've been in the competition, and Salter has the side at this disposal to do just that and cause another upset. The reliable presence of Christian North between the sticks and the likes of Charlie Durling and Adam Bailey-Dennis at the back make them a tough nut to crack. Upfront is where they've excelled lately though, with the goals of Teddy Collis and the in-form Louie Kudiabor a threat for any defence.

The two sides haven't met competitively since the 22/23 season, where in the Isthmian Premier, a newly promoted Gulls side done the double over the R's. They won 5-1 at North Road in their first away game, with Evans Kouassi and Danny Parish each grabbing a brace, along with a goal from Luca Albon. Then then followed that up with a 3-0 win at Park Lane in the December, with Kouassi again netting, along with Joe Paxman and Jamie Salmon.

The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, will be looking to get back to winning ways after a poor recent run of form was compounded in a 2-1 home defeat to Potters Bar Town last Tuesday in the Isthmian Premier.

Despite Kane Gilbert halving the deficit in the 2nd half, the Gulls left themselves with too much of a mountain to climb, meaning they are without a win in four. They'll hope the cup can provide a welcome distraction, and it was where they recorded their last competitive win, as they defeated National League side Dagenham & Redbridge in the last round, thanks to a Kane Gilbert brace and a goal from Bradley Sach.

Gilbert will want to keep up his goalscoring form when visiting North Essex, having turned out for our opponents after departing the Gulls in 2019. The incentive for both sides is a home draw in the semi final, with National League South side Chelmsford City awaiting the winners in the semi final.

***
Yellow Army, thank you for your excellent support last Tuesday evening. We know the recent run of form and the recent string of postponements have been frustrating, but your loyalty to the side hasn't wavered, and the squad appreciate you having their backs over this trying few weeks.

With a big prize of a home semi final draw awaiting the winner of this game, they'll need your support to see them over the line against a stern opposition, and put themselves one step from a potential Cup final for the first time since 2012

Come on you Gulls!

Kick Off - 7:45pm

Admission Prices*
Adults - £8
Concessions - £5
Age 17-12 - £3
U12s - £1

Address
North Road Stadium
North Road
Brightlingsea, Essex
CO7 0PL

Parking
Free parking is available at North Road, with additional parking located on the nearby side roads if needed - though please be mindful of our hosts neighbours if using this option.

Train
N/AL

Bus
Victoria Place (87)