Canvey Island will look to make certain of another season of Isthmian Premier football under the lights on Tuesday, as they welcome Lewes to the Moviestarr Stadium.
Our Opponents
The Rooks have enjoyed another good season of Isthmian Premier football and are firmly poised to go again next time around. However, the clubs hopes of a coveted playoff spot have been thwarted in recent weeks, with inconsistent form now meaning the chance of creeping into the post-season formalities have gone for another season.
That recent form has seen them take just four points from their last 6 matches, with form away from home in particular costing them dear as they are without an away win since late February. That poor form continued on Saturday, as they suffered a 4-0 reverse away at basement battling Cheshunt.
Despite this, manager Tony Russell has a range of talented players in his ranks this season, who can pose a threat to anyone in the league on their day. Experienced heads like Ronnie Vint and Chris Whelpdale have the knowledge of the game played at a higher level. Up front, they aren't short of options, with Ryan Gondoh and Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala two of the seasons standout players.
Our last meeting with the Rooks came back in early March, where late drama at the Dripping Pan saw the Gulls take a point at the death. After the hosts went ahead midway through the 2nd half, Sam Higgins levelled the game in the 90th minute for Canvey, only for the hosts to score two minutes later. There was time for one more goal however, and Higgins claimed it with a low struck free kick to give the Gulls a share of the spoils.
This will be just our 6th attempt to host this match this season, as the weather has punished us considerably!
The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, took a massive step towards securing another season of Isthmian Premier football last time out, as they won 2-0 away at Whitehawk.
Goals in each half from Jamie Salmon and Elliot Ronto were enough to give Canvey their first win on the road since last November, as well as their first clean sheet since late February.
The weather has played havoc on the Gulls fixtures in the last week however, with a true 'act of God' scuppering a meeting with league champions Hornchurch on Easter Monday just 20 minutes before kick off, before Saturdays game away at Potters Bar Town also fell victim to the weather.
With Kingstonian and Haringey Borough now officially relegated, and Concord Rangers now unable to finish above us, it now means only Margate can catch the Gulls, though they find themselves 11 points behind us having played 2 games more.
Just two more points will be enough for the Gulls, or for Margate to fail to win one of their remaining 4 games, to ensure guaranteed safety.
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Yellow Army, we thank for your continued support as we wind down the season. The squad were delighted to finally reward your following on the road with a long awaited win last time out, and they'll be looking to wrap up April with better form at home to send the season off in style.
Under the lights, anything can happen, and the team will be ready for another huge battle in front of the Yellow Army.
See you all on Tuesday evening.
Come on you Gulls!
Kick Off - 7:45pm
Admission Prices
Adults - £12
Concessions - £7
U16s - £2
*Cash and card payments accepted at the gate.
Merchandise
We have a range of Merchandise available from behind the bar, including the 23/24 home and away shirts!
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open throughout the game, serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
We will also have live football from the UEFA Champions League and EFL Championship, including;
(All 8pm KO)
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Leeds United vs Sunderland