Canvey Island got their pre-season preparations off to a winning start on Saturday, as they comfortably beat East Thurrock CFC 8-1 at the Wyldecrest Sports Country Club.

A mostly trialist based side was dispatched to take on the newly formed, fan owned phoenix club, and it took just 8 minutes for the Gulls to open the scoring. Despite the home keeper making a number of decent saves, he couldn't stop Canvey from making it 2-0 just before the break.

In the second half, the Gulls asserted their dominance, and the floodgates opened as two quickly became three, then four, five and six, with new signings Kane Gilbert and Finlay Dorrell among the goal glut.

The hosts to their credit, never gave up however, and grabbed a consolation on the 76th minute. There was still time for Canvey to score two more goals however before the referee brought an end to proceedings.

A host of promising trialists will now look to stake their claim with the first team next Saturday, as the Gulls welcome Southern League Central side Bishop’s Stortford to Park Lane.