THE PLAYOFF SEMI FINAL

Canvey Island host their second playoff semi final in as many seasons on Wednesday evening as they welcome fellow South Essex high flyers Aveley to the Moviestarr Stadium in the Isthmian League Premier playoffs.

With the league season now complete, it all comes down to this crucial match and a chance to meet either Hornchurch or Cray Wanderers in the final, for a place in the National League South this season.

Should this match be level at full time, extra time and penalties will follow.

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Our Opponents

Aveley are no strangers to the Gulls as they, like ourselves, find themselves contesting for a second successive promotion after their title winning campaign in the Isthmian League Division 1 North.

They've performed superbly in their first season at Step 7 since 2012, finishing 4th on 78 points.
Manager Dan Scopes has seen his side go from strength to strength, and they now find themselves knocking on the door of National League football for the first in the clubs history. Indeed, their adopted slogan of #HowFar has never been more apt.

On the pitch, the clubs top goalscorers this season have been George Sykes and Kenny Aileru, who have both notched double digits. There is quality throughout the side however, with the key nucleus of their title winning team having been bolstered with new signings, like the experienced Jonathan North in goal and the exciting striking prospect of Temi Babalola.

Head to Head
This will he our 45th competitive meeting with the Millers.

As previously mentioned, the two sides battled in a well fought title campaign last season, with Aveley just pipping the Gulls to the title by two points.

In our previous meetings however, the Millers have not bested us in our last four league matches, with a draw and a Canvey win the pattern in the last two seasons.
Indeed, we met just a week ago in the league, with Canvey coming back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw in injury time at the Moviestarr Stadium. Evans Kouassi and Conor Hubble got the vital goals. The result secured the visitors a playoff place, whilst ending the Gulls title hopes, so they'll be looking for payback in that regard.

Our final day differed somewhat also, with Aveley picking up a 2-1 win away at Enfield Town, whilst we suffered a 3-1 reverse against playoff chasing Lewes.

Of course, in playoff football however, form can sometimes count for little. Canvey will be hoping their recent experience of winning a playoff campaign can help them show the resolve they need to best their South Essex rivals.

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With the season now at it's conclusion, all roads lead to this huge match.

Yellow Army - you've been magnificent all season and have backed Brad Wellmen and his fantastic squad through the highs and lows of a rollercoaster campaign back in the Isthmian League Premier.

They'll need your support in this game more than ever, as the clubs looks to gain National League status for the first time since the old 'Conference' days of the Jeff King era.
The Island delivered in our last playoff bout - we'll need that same energy again as we search for more promotion glory. Be loud and proud for your team!

See you all on Wednesday evening!

Come on you Gulls!

Admission

Admission for this game is as follows;

Adults - £12
Concession - £7
U16s - £2

Please note - season tickets are not valid for this fixture.
Admission on the gate is currently cash only. We recommend the right cash on the gate for a smoother admittance.

With a big crowd expected, we recommend arriving with plenty of time to beat the queues. Gate's will be open from 5:30pm.

Parking
Free parking is available at the ground, those spaces are limited to a first come, first serve basis.

Parking is available on the side roads at the ground, but we please ask you be respectful to our neighbours when using this option.

Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open throughout the game, serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
We'll also have hot food and drink available at the kiosks.

There will also be live football from the Premier League on the big screens in the clubhouse, including;

West Ham United vs Liverpool

Manchester City vs Arsenal