The FA Trophy takes centre stage at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Canvey Island FC welcome local rivals Grays Athletic for what promises to be an entertaining South Essex derby. With both clubs boasting a proud history in the competition, there is plenty at stake as the Gulls look to continue their cup adventure and book their place in the next round. The tie kicks off at 3pm.

The Gulls head into Saturday's derby full of confidence after producing an excellent 3-0 away victory over Kings Langley in the FA Cup Preliminary Round last weekend.

The star of the show was Mitchell May, who produced a superb individual display by scoring all three goals to complete a memorable hat-trick. May opened the scoring after just five minutes following a scramble in the box before doubling Canvey's advantage shortly before half-time, combining with Ross Wall to finish into an empty net. He completed his treble shortly after the interval after winning possession inside the Kings Langley penalty area and calmly finding the bottom corner. The victory sent Canvey through to the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and provided the perfect preparation for another important cup tie this weekend.

After a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Brightlingsea Regent in the league, followed by the emphatic FA Cup success at Kings Langley, the Gulls will be hoping their momentum continues. There is also plenty of history between these two clubs, making Saturday's encounter about more than simply progression in the FA Trophy.

The visitors arrive on Canvey Island looking to bounce back from a disappointing midweek result. Grays suffered a 2-0 defeat away to newly promoted Buckhurst Hill on Tuesday evening, with the Blues unable to find a way past their hosts in their first league meeting at Buckhurst Hill. The result will have been frustrating for Grays, who had started the campaign with some encouraging performances, and they will now be looking to put that disappointment behind them by producing a response in the FA Trophy.

The FA Trophy is a competition that holds particularly fond memories for Blues supporters, and Saturday provides an opportunity to rediscover some of that cup spirit. The Blues have twice lifted the trophy and will be hoping their experience in the competition can prove valuable against a Canvey side enjoying a strong start to the season.

The Opposition
Grays Athletic's history can be traced back to 1888, although 1890 is recognised as the club's official formation date. The club's modern identity developed from Grays Juniors, who changed their name to Grays Athletic in 1904, before taking over the Grays Recreation Ground in 1906. They became founder members of the Athenian League in 1912 and have experienced considerable highs and lows throughout their history.

The Blues enjoyed their most successful period in the early 2000s. Under manager Mark Stimson, Grays became the inaugural champions of the newly formed Conference South in 2004-05, winning promotion to the top level of non-league football. That same season they lifted the FA Trophy for the first time, defeating Hucknall Town on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Remarkably, Grays retained the trophy the following year, defeating Woking 2-0 at Upton Park in front of almost 14,000 spectators.

Those back-to-back Trophy successes remain one of the most celebrated achievements in the club's history and make this weekend's tie particularly significant. Grays are one of only a small number of clubs to have successfully defended the FA Trophy.

Three Facts About The Blues

1. They are twice FA Trophy winners, Grays lifted the trophy in 2005 and 2006, defeating Hucknall Town and Woking respectively.

2. They were the first Conference South champions. Grays won the inaugural Conference South title in 2004-05, securing promotion to the highest level of non-league football for the first time in their history.

3. They have a long-standing rivalry with Canvey Island. The clubs have met numerous times over the years, with Grays' own records showing 39 competitive meetings, including 25 defeats for the Blues. The two sides have also met once previously in the FA Trophy, when Canvey won 3-2 at Rookery Hill in 2011-12.

Matchday Information
Supporters are encouraged to arrive in good time ahead of the 3pm kick-off to enjoy the afternoon.

Admission prices

• Adults: £12
• Concessions: £8
• Under-16s: £3

Match Details
Fixture: Canvey Island vs Grays Athletic 

Competition: FA Trophy 

Date: Saturday 29th August 

Kick-off: 3pm

Venue: Steve's Taxis Stadium

We look forward to welcoming supporters to the Steve's Taxis Stadium for our Saturday's fixture which brings together two clubs who know each other extremely well. There is plenty of recent history between Canvey and Grays, and the FA Trophy adds another chapter to a rivalry that stretches back decades.

The Gulls will enter the game with confidence following Mitchell May's outstanding hat-trick at Kings Langley, while Grays will be determined to respond after their midweek defeat. Both clubs also know exactly what it takes to go deep into the FA Trophy, having previously lifted the famous trophy.

With no replay in the event of a draw, the game will be decided by penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes, adding another layer of intrigue to what should be a fiercely contested afternoon.

Directions to the Steves Taxis Stadium (SS8 7PX);

By Car:
Exit M25 at Junction 30 and take the A13 towards Southend. You will reach a series of mini roundabouts. At these roundabouts, take the A130 towards Canvey Island. At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit which will keep a sports centre on your right and follow signs for Canvey Island Football Club.

Eventually, you will enter a one way system. Keep left through the one way system and after one mile you will pass the Transport Museum on your right. Park Lane is on the right hand side shortly afterwards, with The Steves Taxis Stadium located in front of you. There is plenty of parking outside the ground.

By Train:
Benfleet Station is 40 minutes from London Fenchurch Street and 50 minutes from London Liverpool Street on the C2C line. The station is 5 miles from the ground. There is a taxi rank around the back of the station. Alternatively, you can use the frequent bus service from the front of the station.

By Bus:
You can use the number 22 or 27 bus to be dropped directly outside Park Lane. Alternatively, you can use the number 21 or 21A to be dropped by the sea wall. From here, continue walking in the direction you travelled across some playing fields, and you will see The Steve’s Taxis Stadium on your left.

Kick off for this fixture is at 3pm, we look forward to seeing you all there.