Match Preview

Canvey Island begin a massive first month of 2024 on New Years Day, as they welcome Concord Rangers to the Moviestarr Stadium for an Island derby.

Our Opponents

The Beachboys have endured a tough first half to the season since arriving back in the Isthmian League following their relegation last season. They've earned just three wins from sixteen league games - the lowest number in the division played as postponements have wreaked havoc on their fixture list. It currently see's them rooted to the bottom of the table at the time of writing.

Despite their fixture woes though, recent form has seen them stabilise to stop the rot somewhat, and at home in particular they've picked up points. Their last outing, like us, was on Saturday, where they were made to settle for a share of the points against Hastings United after twice leading - with the game eventually finishing 3-3 after a late equaliser.

Manager Sammy Collins has altered his squad throughout the season and now seems to have the makings of a settled side, much more robust than when we last met. West Ham loanee Mason Terry has been a key figure between the sticks for the Beachboys this year and local striker Harrison Day is their man in form up front, with the striker notching 10 goals already this season.

Our previous meeting this season saw the Gulls claim the bragging rights at Thames Road, with Charlie Edwards, Mason Hall and Conor Hubble all netting in a comprehensive 3-1 victory back in August.

The Gulls

Canvey meanwhile, finally manages to halt a recent rot in form of their own on Saturday as they picked up a well earned point on the road at Bognor Regis Town.

Jamie Salmon's volley on 58 minutes put the Gulls ahead but, despite their best efforts, they couldn't keep the hosts from equalising on 83 minutes, as Isaac Olaniyan headed home to mean the points were shared.

It was a much improved performance from the Gulls however, and with two games a week to play for the foreseeable future - the first of those being against the bottom two teams in the league - they'll need to maintain that form to pick up points and move away battle at the bottom.

***
Yellow Army, we'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year, and with this being the first game of 2024, we'd love to set a new standard to take into the coming months, both on and off the pitch.

You turned out in big numbers for the last Island derby and we have no doubt that you'll pack out Park Lane tomorrow as we look to secure local bragging rights.

Be loud and proud, and get behind your team tomorrow as we look to ring in 2024 in style.

Come on you Gulls!

Admission Prices
Adults - £12
Concessions - £7
U16s - £2

*Cash and card payments accepted at the gate.

Merchandise
We have a range of Merchandise available from behind the bar, including the 23/24 home and away shirts!

Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open throughout the game, serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
We'll also have live football from the SkyBet Championship on our big screens, including;

12:30pm - Sunderland vs Preston North End

5:15pm - Sheffield Wednesday vs Hull City