Canvey Island’s final home game of the season ended with a 3-0 defeat to high flying local rivals Billericay Town at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium.
The win in front of a bumper Easter Monday crowd of 885 put Billericay top of the league level on points with Horsham and Dartford going into the final game of the season.
For much of the game Gulls matched their higher placed opponents although the Blues took control in the second half.
They made a bright start with Bradley Sach forcing Sam Donkin into a save at his near post with an angled shot.
Billericay had plenty of possession after that without really threatening. They did have the ball in the net on 29 minutes but the effort was ruled out for a foul.
A few minutes later Tommy Davis’ free kick was blocked by the Canvey wall and then Elliott Long forced Bobby Mason into a good save after getting a shot in from a tight angle.
Just before half time, Sach nearly gave Canvey the lead with an audacious lob from 35 yards that saw Donkin back pedal and palm the ball to safety.
Mason did make a good stop in first half injury time to keep out Jay Porter’s shot from the left as the Blues finished the half well.
In the second half, Billericay started to gradually take control of the game.
Sach did have a sight of goal when he found room just inside the penalty area after good work by Chris Harris but Porter made a great block to deny him.
Substitute De-Carrey Sheriff broke through for Billericay but Mason made an excellent stop to deny him.
Eventually Billericay took the lead on 72 minutes. Good play by Bradley Williams down the right set up an opportunity for former Canvey midfielder Frankie Merrifield who poked home from close range.
The game was sealed for the Blues a few minutes later when Davis fired home after Mason had saved an initial shot.
A few minutes from the end, Sheriff completed the scoring firing into the corner of the net from the penalty spot after he had been fouled in the area.
Gulls complete their Isthmian League season next Saturday when they visit Wingate & Finchley.

Match Report by David Powell