Canvey Island continue an action packed festive fixture list with a huge local derby away at Billericay Town on Boxing Day.

Our Opponents
The Blues are another of the league's major promotion contenders for the 24/25 season, with the club looking to return to the National League South at the 3rd time of asking, following their relegation in 2022.

They've made another strong start to the season, currently perched at 3rd in the table at the time of writing, with 39 points from 21 games seeing them firmly in the playoff mixer. They come into this match on the back of a 1-1 draw away at Cray Wanderers on Saturday, where a late equaliser saw them take a share of the spoils in South London.

Manager Gary McCann has a side well poised to keep up their promotion aspirations as they enter the 2nd half of the season. Former National League South names like Aaron Pollock and Jay Porter Marshall a sturdy defence, but it is in attack where they really excel, with the likes of Frankie Merrifield and Moses Emmanuel recently complemented with Femi Akinwande - who was a title winner with Hornchurch last season. Among their ranks too is a former Gull in Ashley Nzala, who featured on loan in the 22/23 season.

The two clubs met twice in the league last season, with Canvey recording a derby double over their long time rivals. A late winner from Elliott Ronto saw them take all 3 points at the New Lodge in October, before a Sam Higgins brace and a goal from Tobi Tinubu earned them a 3-0 win back at Park Lane in the February.

The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, will want to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 reverse at home to Horsham on Saturday.

A solitary goal in the second half was enough to decide a game ruled by the conditions, with the Gulls cruelly denied a late equaliser after a saved spot kick in injury time.

The Gulls know they'll need to be at their best away at one of the promotion chasers, and will face a quick turnaround of games after as they host Dartford and Bowers & Pitsea respectively over the next few days.

***
Yellow Army, thank you once again for your excellent support on Saturday. Whilst the result was a disappointing one, you backed the team until the end and it doesn't go unnoticed.

With the prospect of a massive local derby on Boxing Day ahead, we know that you will travel in fine form once again as we look to take the bragging rights.

We wish all travelling a safe and easy journey to Billericay.

Come on you Gulls!

Kick Off - 1:00pm

Admission Prices*
Adults - £13
Concessions - £8
Young Adult (12-17) - £5
U11s - £1

*Please note - our hosts operate a cashless turnstile.

Advance Tickets
https://billericaytownfc.ktckts.com/event/bil2425h11/billericay-town-v-canvey-island

Address
The New Lodge
Blunts Wall Rd
Billericay, Essex
CM12 9SA

Parking
Limited parking is available at the New Lodge. Parking on Blunts Wall Rd is advised against. Additional parking can be found on nearby side roads, but please be mindful of our hosts neighbours if exercising this option.

Train
*No nearby train services are in operation on Boxing Day*

Bus
London Road (9/251)