Canvey Island started their Isthmian Premier League season with a 2-0 defeat against Cray Wanderers at Flamingo Park.

This was Canvey's first competitive game under Peter Taylor’s management and Gulls will feel they could have got something from the game after missing several chances. Neither side created much in the first 25 minutes. Former Gull Ash Nzala headed over for Cray as both sides took some time to settle into the game. Chris Dickson gave Cray Wanderers the lead on 25 minutes. A free kick by Josh Williams into the penalty area was nodded down by Tom Bonner into the path of the experienced striker who tapped home past Lewis Greene from close range.

Canvey to their credit responded well from this set back. Some good play by Tyler Forbes down the right saw his cross headed wide by Shaun Mavididi. Finley Dorrell then broke on to a ball and sent an angled shot across goal that crashed off of the post and away to safety. Just before half time, Greene was called into action when he spread himself well to save an effort from George Brooke.

In the second half, Greene did well to save a low shot from Williams before Canvey substitute Chris Regis tested Harry Seaden with an effort that nearly crept in at the near post. Wanderers extended their lead on 75 minutes. Williams was available to fire home a shot at the far post to make it 2-0.

Joe Halsey fired a shot over from the edge of the penalty area for Canvey as the match approached injury time but Gulls were unable to get back into the game. The Gulls will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they play Cheshunt at The Steve's Taxis Stadium.

Match Report by David Powell.