Match Preview

Canvey Island face another of the playoff chasers at home on Tuesday evening, as they welcome high flying Horsham to the Moviestarr Stadium.

Our Opponents

The Hornets have enjoyed a fruitful season so far, with the club firmly embedded in the playoff hunt with a month and a half of the season to go. As well as good league form, they've enjoyed a great time in cup competitions this season, with an FA Cup 2nd Round Proper appearance to their name, a 4th round berth in the FA Trophy, and they have a Sussex Senior Cup final appearance to look forward to - where they face fellow league side Hastings United.

They currently sit 7th in the table at the time of writing, only outside of the playoff places on goal difference, though they have games in hand on the sides around them. Their league form has been impressive in the last few months, though 3 defeats in their last 5 league games means they've only taken 6 points from the 15 on offer. They fell short in a huge match last Saturday, losing 2-1 at fellow playoff chasing Enfield Town.

A spot in the playoffs is certainly still in their hands however, and manager Dominic Di Paola certainly has the squad to make their promotion dream a reality. A well drilled backline containing the likes of Charlie Hester-Cook and the recently arrived Kane Penn are a mission for any attack in the league to break down, and a strong attacking presence headed by players like Daniel Ajakaiye and Shamir Fenelon, among others, mean they aren't shy on goals. And home and away, they are always backed by the quirky and boisterous 'Lardy Army' - the clubs 12th man.

The Gulls have met the Hornets away from home already this season. On a cold, mid December evening in Sussex, a Bradley Sach equaliser wasn't enough for the Gulls, with the hosts running out 2-1 winners as we made the long trip home empty handed.

The Gulls

Canvey meanwhile, will be desperately seeking to reverse a poor run of form as they play out their last 9 games of the season.

A 1-0 defeat away at Folkestone Invicta on Saturday afternoon means they are without a win since February 10th - and without an away win since November 2023.

Home is where the Gulls have shown a better metal this season however, and they'll be looking to get a positive result under the lights. They'll have their work cut out though - they haven't defeated the Hornets in their last 3 meetings since returning to the Isthmian Premier.

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Yellow Army, we can only, first and foremost, thank those of you who made the journey down to Kent on Saturday. The squad appreciates your support as always, which has been unwavering despite the recent dip in form.

They'll be looking to put things right on Tuesday evening, and in front of a raucous home crowd under the lights, anything is possible.

See you all on Tuesday evening.

Come on you Gulls!

Kick Off - 7:45pm

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.
With little in the way of televised football this week as we enter the international break, tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to come and watch the Gulls! Keep an eye out for our Non League Day 2024 details in the week.