Saturday’s match preview - Canvey Island (Away) Kick off 3.00pm

The Hamlet head for Canvey Island this weekend as they look to avenge an early season defeat at home to the Gulls

Much has changed at the Gulls since late August when Danny Heale’s side left Champion Hill with all three points as Danny Heale’s side snatched a late victory thanks to an 83rd minute goal from Ryan O’Rawe. Then the dreams of the Park lane faithful were filled with visions of a title challenge, much like the one that had slipped from their grasp so dramatically last season. Now those dreams are haunted by the spectre of relegation, the Seagulls having plummeted down the table into the bottom four. Indeed from the lofty heights of seventh after that dramatic win at the Hill, the Islanders have been in a death spiral, even occupying bottom spot at the end of 2016 despite battling to a draw away to AFC Sudbury on New Year’s Eve. Two days later they did escape the clutches of the dreaded 24th place with a battling 2-2 draw away to Harlow Town, a ground where only Dulwich Hamlet and AFC Sudbury left anything but defeated. Yet still the Gulls remain four points shy of safety and with a vastly inferior goal difference to those around them equally keen to avoid the drop.

It almost seemed as if Canvey’s form imploded in the wake of the Dulwich defeat. Though they narrowly progressed in the Emirates FA Cup, coming from behind to beat Dunstable Town thanks to Tony Stokes’ late penalty, hopes emulating past glories died in a replay. Stokes bagged a hat trick in a convincing 6-1 Alan Turvey Trophy against near-neighbours Great Wakering, only for Ryman North side Ware to emerge victorious from a penalty shootout following a goalless stalemate in the next round. Meanwhile in the league Canvey Island would go a whole calendar month before they would pick up three points with a 3-1 home win over Hendon. The win came near the start of a six match run of home games, but was a rare bright light as Kingstonian (2-1), Met Police (2-1), Enfield Town (5-1) and Needham Market (2-2) all left Park Lane with points to show for their endeavours. Yet some must have found solace in that draw with the Marketmen for dark horses in the title challenge had goalkeeper Danny Gay as their saviour, scoring in injury time to rescue a point for his side.

A few days later hopes of a run in the Buildbase FA Trophy died in dramatic circumstances. Just 7 days after Enfield Town romped to a victory 5-1 triumph on the island, Canvey found themselves on the verge of revenge at Donkey Lane. A George Sykes double had put the Gulls well in command at the break, and though former Hamlet man Billy Crook had narrowed the gap with 20 minutes Danny Heale’s men still held the advantage with the final whistle approaching. Then substitute Bobby Devyne chose to intervene scoring twice in a minute to turn the game on its head and send the Islanders out.

Though a trip at Folkestone Invicta is hardly the easiest of away days, Canvey’s second half capitulation at the Fullicks Stadium must have shocked the die-hard travelling fans, Trailing to Frankie Chappell goal 8 minutes before the break, the Gulls’ defences were breached a further five times as the hosts ran out 6-0 victors. Though Canvey rallied to a 3-0 win away to Lowestoft Town in midweek, Sykes adding to his tally with a brace, lightning would strike again as Staines Town ran riot on the Island, six players sharing the six goals in another 6-0 humbling. There was no respite as Reece Beckles-Richards claimed a hat trick for Wingate & Finchley in a 4-1 win at Park Lane a week later.

At least a midweek trip to Hendon, yet to pick up a home win, steadied the ship. No goals in the game but whether it was a point gained or two lost in the increasingly fraught relegation battle must have been fiercely debated by fans of both sides over a pint of two in the bar afterwards. Much relief followed as Canvey eased to victory 3-0 at home to Lowestoft Town, completing the double over the troubled Trawler Boys but a trio of defeats on the road, including a 2-0 loss away to relegation rivals Gray Athletic continued to pile on the pressure.

A several new faces appeared in the squad with one of their number, midfielder Ryan Blackman late of Waltham Abbey, getting his name on the scoresheet as the Gulls scrapped out a 2-2 draw at home to a Merstham side being slowly dragged into the relegation maelstrom. With fresh blood in the ranks there seemed a renewed vigour and the Gulls were a tad unfortunate to leave Billericay Town empty handed after a 2-1 defeat in which Dipo Akinyemi, late of this parish, scored for the hosts. The momentum followed through to the New Year’s games with those draws on the artificial pitches of Harlow Town and AFC Sudbury, Blackman continuing to impress with goals in both games.

This game takes place at the Frost Financial Stadium, 1 Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7PX. Directions to the ground can be found by clicking here.

Admission Prices:

• Adults: £10.00
• Over-60's/Students with valid ID: £6.00
• Under-16's: £1.00

No charge for transfer to seats
Free Parking

Matchday Programmes: £2.00