Canvey Island face their toughest remaining test of the season on Tuesday evening, as they welcome league champions Hornchurch to the Moviestarr Stadium.
*PLEASE NOTE*
This a rearranged fixture following the previous late postponement on Monday 1st April.
If you previously paid for admission to this game, then an admittance slip handed out at the gate that afternoon after the postponement will permit free admittance for this match.
Our Opponents
The Urchins have enjoyed a phenomenal season in the league this year, banishing the demons that have seen them slip up in two previous playoff bouts to go hell for leather for the title. In securing it, they have earned a deserved place in the National League South for the first time in 12 years, and we wish them good luck in the league above next season.
Their form on the pitch has been testament to how much of a force they've become, with the club only losing 3 times in the league this season. Despite losing manager Steve Morison to League 2 side Sutton United earlier in the season, the club were able to tie down an equally impressive appointment in Daryl McMahon - a seasoned manager at National League level.
They wrapped up the title in style with a win against their closest contenders, Chatham Town, at Bridge Avenue in front of an expectant home crowd just under a fortnight ago. They haven't slowed up since then though, charging towards that hundred point mark by defeating Cray Wanderers last Tuesday before winning away at Maragte on Saturday - a result that coincidentally secured safety for Canvey.
Daryl McMahon will look to ready his side for life at Step 6 next season, but from front to back, they already have the quality to contend. Ryan Scott was one of their first signings of the season - already a promotion winner after his playoff bout with Aveley last year. Midfielders Ollie Muldoon and Tom Wraight have National League experience in their locker. And up front, the ever present Liam Nash is never shy of goals. They also have a cast of former football league players, with Sean Scanell and Tommie Hoban notable names.
The Gulls met the Urchins at Bridge Avenue this season just before Christmas, where despite a spirited performance, they were unable to stop the then title chasers recording a 2-0 win in the 2nd half. The Gulls were a thorn in their side last year however, taking 6 points from their opponents.
The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, will now be looking to play for pride in their last four matches of the season, with safety secured thanks to results elsewhere at the weekend.
With any relegation fears now eased, they'll want to put on a better show for a loyal home crowd after another disappointing defeat at the weekend, this time to Dulwich Hamlet.
Despite playing some good football and dominating the possession, a depleted Gulls couldn't force the issue in front of goal, meaning the visitors were able to steal a goal in either half to run out 2-0 winners.
Canvey will know they will be rank underdogs going into this match, and face another two games in four days, as a busy week see's the league looking to wrap up fixtures. But with safety now secure, the Gulls can look to enjoy their football a little more and put in motion the plans they will need going forward into next season.
***
Yellow Army, we are delighted to be able to share in another exciting season of Isthmian Premier football with you next season, though we understand the disappointment that this tough season has brought compared to recent campaigns. Safety is the bare minimum for any side in such a competitive division as this has been however, and we are glad to have secured this for all involved.
We and the squad are under no illusion however, that your support has been key in getting us over the line, and Brad Wellmen's side will be looking to do their upmost to repay that faith in these last few remaining matches.
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.
^Admission slips handed out for the previously postponed fixture are valid for this rearranged match.
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 on our big screens, including;
(All 8pm KO)
Barcelona vs PSG
Borussia Dortmund vs Atlético Madrid
Southampton vs Preston North End