As pre-season preparations continue ahead of the 2026/27 Isthmian North campaign, the Gulls will welcome Aveley to the Island for an exciting summer friendly on Tuesday 28th July, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm.

The fixture offers both sides an important opportunity to build fitness, sharpen tactics, and give supporters an early glimpse of their squads before competitive football returns. With the two Essex clubs both aiming to make strong starts to their respective seasons, the match promises to be a competitive and entertaining encounter under the lights at Park Lane.

The visitors head into the fixture off the back of an encouraging 2025/26 campaign, where they impressed with consistent performances and a solid defensive record. Aveley spent much of the season competing in the upper half of the table, earning plaudits for their organised style of play and ability to take points off some of the league’s strongest sides, eventually earning themselves a place in the play-offs. The Blues, then went on to face Brentwood Town in the Play-off semi-final at Parkside, where they were defeated after a valiant effort against the Blues. Their progress last season has raised expectations for 2026/27, and this pre-season friendly will be an early opportunity to gauge how the squad has developed over the summer.

Canvey Island will be looking to use home advantage to continue building momentum during pre-season, while Aveley arrive determined to test themselves as preparations intensify. Supporters can also expect a strong atmosphere at Park Lane, with local interest always high when the two sides meet. Pre-season fixtures regularly provide fans with their first chance to see new faces in action and reconnect with football ahead of the new campaign.

The match kicks off at 7:45pm on Tuesday 28th July at Park Lane. Fans from both clubs are encouraged to attend and back their teams as preparations for the 2026/27 season continue.