Match report by David Powell

Canvey Island exited the BBC Essex Senior Cup at the 4th round stage after a spirited 3-1 defeat to Billericay Town at New Lodge.

The Vanarama National League South side were the better side for much of the game but Canvey ran them close at times and but for better finishing could have taken the game to penalties.

Billericay could have taken the lead after 5 minutes. A long pass forward found Norman Wabo who got in behind the Canvey defence but fired his shot over the crossbar.

Bobby Mason saved at his near post from Bagasan Graham before against the run of play Canvey took the lead on 18 minutes.

Matt Price picked up the ball on the left and swung in a superb cross that was met by Callum Fitzer who scored with a thumping header.

Soon after Michael Ochieng had a shot deflected narrowly over for Billericay and Shaquille Coulthirst missed the target with a header.

Canvey threatened on the break and a good move involving Harrison Chatting and Price saw Price nearly find Fitzer with a great ball into the box but Billericay cleared the danger.

On 37 minutes, Billericay drew level in fortuitous circumstances. A right wing cross was headed back across goal by Coulthirst and under pressure from Wabo, Evangelos Empochontsif attempted to chest the ball back to Mason but only succeeded in putting the ball past his own keeper.

Town finished the half strongly. Anderson Pinto volleyed straight at Mason and then the keeper made a fantastic reaction save to keep out Coulthirst's close range header.

Right on half time, Billericay took the lead with a stunning strike. Joshua Smile picked the ball up 25 yards out and fired in a right footed shot that swerved past Mason and into the net.

The second half continued in a similar vein with Billericay creating the better chances. Graham forced Mason into another outstanding save after cutting in from the left and firing in a shot that the keeper pushed away. Wabo headed the follow up over the crossbar.

Wabo then headed a Lawrie Wilson cross over the crossbar before Canvey rallied in the final 20 minutes.

The introduction of Conor Hubble and Liam Oliver gave Canvey a new attacking impetus.

Oliver had a shout for a penalty after his shot appeared to be blocked by a defender's hand in the penalty area but the referee waved away the appeals.

On 81 minutes, Price forced Billericay keeper Rhys Lovett into a superb save when he fired in a 20 yard shot through a crowd of players that the keeper got down well to, to turn around the post.

Canvey's best chance came on 84 minutes. Price's cross from the right picked out Elliott Ronto unmarked at the far post but his connection was poor and he headed off target.

Ronto had another effort 2 minutes later when he volleyed across goal and wide of the far post after good work by Evans Kouassi and Hubble.

These misses proved costly as on 87 minutes, Billericay sealed the game when Coulthirst broke through to score.

There was still time in the first minute of injury time for Oliver to steer an effort over from close range after a great left wing cross from Jey Siva.

The whistle blew a few minutes later and Canvey exited the competition but not after giving their National South opponents a tough game.