Canvey Island 3-1 Hornchurch

Canvey Island kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win against BetVictor Isthmian League Premier Division side Hornchurch at Park Lane on Saturday.

The Gulls lead 2-0 at half time thanks to goals from ex-Urchin George Purcell and Dan Humphreys, although a trialist pulled one back for the visitors on 67 minutes.

However, a superb goal from Ryan Melaugh with three minutes remaining ensured that the Gulls would be victorious.

A full match report by Echo reporter Danny Rust can be found here.

Simon Pitts' post-match interview with manager Mark Bentley can be listened to here.