The clash got underway with a quick start as Billericay applied some early pressure to the Canvey back-line inside the opening ten minutes as MacArthur fired over the bar. Just before the twenty minute mark Billericay’s Merrifield was played through to go one-on-one with the Gulls’ number one, David Hughes, and failed to put the Blues ahead. Shortly after the first hydration break it was Billericay who was knocking on the door, with Merrifield forcing another save from David Hughes.

The Gulls looked to break the deadlock, as the Gulls won the ball back high up the pitch, where eventually the ball fell to striker, Mitchell May, who had his one-on-one effort fantastically saved by the Blues’ keeper. Five minutes before the interval right-back, George Scales received a caution after a late challenge on Billericay’s attacker.

Half time: Canvey Island 0-0 Billericay Town

The Gulls made many changes at the break and begun the second-half on the back-foot with the Blues having a near miss was Billericay’s forward sent it wide, eight minutes later the Gulls found themselves in the lead as a clever ball from Ross Wall was met by his strike partner Mitchell May who fired home his first goal for the club and the first of our 26/27 pre-season campaign.

Shortly after Billericay’s Bonne was shown a yellow card after a strong challenge. The Blues had a good chance from a dead-ball, however it ended up being a routine save for David Hughes between the sticks. Late in the clash the Visitors found themselves with a free-kick in a dangerous area, Benton stepped up for the Blues but couldn’t direct his attempt over the strong Canvey wall to find an equaliser.

Full Time: Canvey Island 1-0 Billericay Town