Canvey Island begin a busy December schedule at home this Saturday, as they welcome Potters Bar Town to the Steves Taxis Stadium in the Isthmian League Premier.

Our Opponents
The Scholars have been members of the Isthmian Premier since their promotion from Isthmian North in 2018, and in that time have always maintained a steady, consistent presence in the division with a succession of mid-table finishes, despite fluxtuating fortunes on and off the pitch.

They managed a decent 15th placed finish in the league last season - just a place below the Gulls - though they've faced a challenging start to this campaign however, primarily due to the 3G development of their home at the Lantern Stadium, meaning they've been forced to play home fixtures 15 miles away in Kings Langley. Despite that challenge however, and an 8-1 opening day drubbing to Dover Athletic, they became one of the form sides in the league for the opening quarter of the campaign, showing resilience to prove any early doubters wrong.

Recent weeks has seen that form dip however, with the club slipping to 13th in the table at the time of writing. They picked up their first win in 8 games on Saturday however, triumphant in a 4-3 thriller against Chichester City.

Manager Max Mitchell has the squad at his disposal however to see the Scholars climb back up the table. Experienced heads like Ricky Hayles and Ronnie Henry provide a wealth of football knowledge, while players like Nana Kyei and Chaynie Fage-Burgin provide an exciting edge in attack. Top scorer is non-league stalwart Steve Cawley, with the forward having already notched 9 goals this season.

The two sides met twice in the league last season, with the visitors taking the points at Park Lane in a comprehensive 4-1 win - Conor Hubble netting for Canvey that day - before the Gulls returned the favour late in the season away from home, with Sam Higgins and a late Tobi Tinubu winner seeing them run out 2-1 winners at the Lantern Stadium.

The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, will want to get back to winning ways themselves after suffering a setback to their recent good form on Saturday, where they were defeated 2-1 at Lewes.

Despite creating many of the games better chances, the Gulls were lacking in clinicalness in front of goal, whilst the hosts took their chances to go 2-0 up. Despite Chris Harris halving the deficit, they couldn't force an equaliser, as they left East Sussex empty handed.

Despite the setback however, Canvey have been in good form - 3rd in the form table in their last 8 games - and they'll look to build on their last home result - a 2-0 win over Cray Wanderers.

***
Yellow Army, thank you to all of those who made the long trip south with us last Saturday.

We know it's a busy time of year with the Christmas holidays fast approaching, so we appreciate each and everyone of you taking the time back Brad Wellmen and his side at the moment.

We hope to see you all back at Park Lane on Saturday to cheer on the boys again!

Come on you Gulls!

Kick Off - 3:00pm

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

*Accompanied by an Adult.

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 Taxi's 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 action on our big screens in the clubhouse, including:

12:30pm
Everton vs Liverpool

5:30pm
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest