The Gulls return to Emirates FA Cup action on Saturday afternoon as Newmarket Town make the journey to the Steve’s Taxis Stadium for a First Round Qualifying tie, with kick-off at 3pm.

The Gulls will be looking to put their latest league disappointment behind them and begin another memorable FA Cup run, while visitors Newmarket arrive with confidence after a dramatic comeback victory in their most recent Isthmian North fixture.

The Gulls will be hoping for a response after a frustrating 3-2 defeat away to Bowers & Pitsea on Monday. The Gulls found themselves behind early on but turned the game around before half-time. Ross Wall levelled from close range after Ernest Okoh's work down the right, before Wall turned provider for Mitchell May, who confidently finished to put Canvey 2-1 ahead at the interval.

However, the dismissal of George Scales early in the second half changed the complexion of the contest. Bowers & Pitsea equalised from the penalty spot before Josh Colyer headed home the winner, leaving Canvey empty-handed despite leading at the break. The Gulls will now have the opportunity to put that disappointment right in front of their home supporters.

Newmarket Town head to the Island having secured a 2-1 victory over Mulbarton Wanderers on Bank-Holiday Monday. The Jockeys fell behind when Owen Lane converted a 22nd-minute penalty, but they produced a second-half comeback to claim all three points, with Callum Page among the scorers as Newmarket overturned a half-time deficit. The result provided Michael Shinn's side with valuable momentum ahead of their FA Cup trip to Essex.

The victory followed Newmarket's progress in the FA Cup, where they had already impressed with a 4-0 win over St Neots Town in the Preliminary Round. Prince Mutswunguma opened the scoring before Josh Lee struck twice, with Theo Goddard also finding the net as the Suffolk side comfortably booked their place in the First Round Qualifying draw.

Saturday's fixture also marks a new chapter for the Gulls following the appointment of Kevin Horlock as First-Team Manager. The former Manchester City and Northern Ireland midfielder arrives at Park Lane with considerable experience both as a player and manager. Horlock has previously managed Needham Market, Chatham Town and Maldon & Tiptree, including guiding Needham Market to promotion to the National League North.

His appointment gives the Gulls an experienced football figure at the helm, and the FA Cup provides an immediate opportunity to make a positive start to his tenure. Horlock's previous success in the local non-league game, together with his professional playing background, will bring plenty of experience to a Canvey side looking to progress through the competition.

The Opposition
Newmarket Town are one of the oldest football clubs in the country, having been formed at the Star Hotel in Newmarket on 22 November 1877. Their first recorded match came in February 1878 against Pembroke College, while the club moved to its long-standing home at Cricket Field Road in 1885. The connection between the club and the town's famous racing heritage is reflected in their nickname, The Jockeys.

The club has enjoyed considerable success in regional football over the years, including several Suffolk Premier Cup triumphs. More recently, Newmarket finished runners-up in the Eastern Counties League Premier Division in 2023/24 before beating Dereham Town and Mulbarton Wanderers in the play-offs to earn promotion to the Isthmian League North Division.

Three Facts About The Jockeys

1. They were formed in 1877, Newmarket Town's formation dates back almost 150 years, making them one of England's oldest football clubs.

2. They have called Cricket Field Road home since 1885, The Jockeys have played at their current ground for well over a century, with the first match there taking place against Bury School on 21 October 1885.

3. Their best FA Cup run reached the Fourth Qualifying Round, Newmarket's best performance in the competition came in the 1992/93 season when they reached the Fourth Qualifying Round. Their record attendance of 2,701 was also set at Cricket Field Road for an FA Cup tie against Abbey United in 1949.

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 Newmarket Town 
Competition: FA Cup
Date: Saturday 05th September
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Steve's Taxis Stadium

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.