Canvey Island kicked off their pre season campaign with a 6-1 defeat to a strong Southend United side at Park Lane. Former Gull Steve Tilson elected to put out a full strength line up and although the Blues won quite comfortably, Canvey battled well and showed enough promise to keep optimism high for the season ahead.

New signings Daniel Francis and Gabriel Fanibuyan both made their first appearances in a yellow shirt and put in decent performances.

It was Canvey who started the brightest taking the game to their more illustrious League One opponents. Fanibuyan screwed a shot wide after 6 minutes and then on 14 minutes, Matt Reade dragged his shot well wide after Francis had showed some great skill down the right wing.

Nicky Rugg was enjoying an excellent tussle with Adam Barrett and he may have given Canvey the lead on 15 minutes when his looping header from Reade’s cross landed on top of the net.

Gradually, Southend came into the game more with Maher and McCormack stamping their authority in midfield and Jamal Campbell Ryce terrorising the Gulls’ defence down the right flank.

Campbell Ryce provided a great cross that Matt Harrold headed off target and then on 22 minutes he weaved his way past 3 players but blasted over.

Campbell Ryce continued to tease Craig Davidson down the Canvey left and another fine run and cross saw Mark Gower waste a header at the far post when it seemed easier to score.

A goal seemed inevitable and eventually it came on the half hour mark. The referee awarded a somewhat debatable free kick on the edge of the area and after Gower’s initial free kick was saved by a combination of a post and Ricky Wiseman, former Grays’ forward Gary Hooper was there to tuck the rebound home in front of goal.

On 40 minutes Southend were 2-0 ahead after the referee had judged that Colin Wall had fouled Harrold inside the box. Harrold stepped up to despatch the penalty beyond Wiseman.

2-0 at half time and Southend changed much of their team bringing on the likes of Daryl Flahavan and experienced striker Lee Bradbury. Canvey also made several changes and this gave them some more attacking impetus. Substitute Ryan Edgar curled a free kick over the bar but it was Southend who continued to threaten on the counter attack.

Billy Paynter should have done better after being set up by Bradbury but contrived to fire a seemingly easy chance over the bar.

On 56 minutes Southend made it 3-0 with Frank Moussa firing home a low shot from the edge of the area beyond Mel Capleton.

Canvey rallied well though and some excellent play down the left wing by Chris Bourne saw his cross fall to Danny Curran at the far post but he blazed a very presentable chance over the bar.

On 64 minutes Southend extended their lead further. McCormack’s free kick was inch perfect for Paynter who headed the ball down at the far post to Bradbury who had a simple tap in.

Canvey fans in a crowd of 1,147 had something to cheer about a minute later when Mitchell Lowes played an exquisite through ball to Ian Luck with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.

Luck held off several robust challenges to finish confidently beyond the onrushing Flahavan.

On 73 though Southend scored their 5th goal of the match. Bradbury knocked on Ritchie Foran’s left wing cross to Paynter who reacted well to volley home.
A sixth came shortly after with Paynter providing the assist for Bradbury to tap home for his second goal of the game.

Southend’s superior fitness was beginning to tell in this part of the game but Canvey to their credit never gave up and battled hard to the end. The pace of Chris Bourne and Jay Curran and the strength and tenacity of Ian Luck often gave the Southend back four something to think about.

In the end it was a comprehensive victory for the Blues who despite losing star striker Freddy Eastwood to Wolves this summer, have not lacked for goals in their pre season matches so far.

Canvey now travel to Ryman Premier East Thurrock United on Tuesday night taking many positives from a hard working and gutsy performance.

Yellow's Man Of The Match:
Ian Luck: Came on as a substitute at half time and scored a well taken goal.

Match Report By David Powell