Match Report by David Powell

Canvey Island fell to a 1-0 defeat away at local rivals Billericay Town in the Isthmian League on Saturday.

In front of a large crowd just under 1000, a goal from former Canvey striker Matt Price won the game for the hosts and saw the Gulls defeated for the first time in 5 matches.

Billericay edged the game in terms of chances but Canvey gave their all and will feel they could have snatched a point had they converted their chances.

Sam Mvemba was given a starting debut at left back who signed from Carshalton during the week.

In a tight first half, the Blues edged the contest, their strike force testing Bobby Mason on a number of occasions.

Their first opportunity fell to Bradley Stevenson, who forced a good save from Mason on 18 minutes, before Price set up an opportunity for John Ufuah, whose effort was tuned aside for a corner by the Canvey keeper.

The Gulls began to settle into the game after a frantic start. Evans Kouassi steered a fine cross from Joe Paxman wide at the far post, before Billericay crafted another big chance, Stevenson clipping the crossbar with a free kick.

In the second half, Billericay started quickly with Anthony Jeffrey firing in a swirling shot that Mason turned over the crossbar.

Mason then saved a long range effort with the loose ball being cleared.

Elliott Ronto had an effort cleared off the line on 69 minutes from a Connor Hubble corner before Billericay went down the other end to open the scoring.

Cerulli broke down the left and his cross fell to Price who fired a powerful effort past Mason and into the net.

On 75 minutes, Canvey won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area that saw Hubble curl in an effort that Harry Seaden punched away from goal.

Some good build up play set up a chance for substitute Danny Parish on 80 minutes, but he dragged his shot across goal and wide of the target.

Canvey pushed for an equaliser but Billericay held possession to seal the three points, tightening the playoff chasing pack in the process.

Canvey will look to dust themselves down as a quick turnover in games sees them away at Hashtag United in the Essex Senior Cup this Monday.