Last seasons beaten finalists hardly troubled Canvey Island who themselves went out of the FA Cup last Saturday. With both sides looking to progess in the FA Trophy next weekend both managers chose to rest a number of players and bring squad players and trialists in for the game.

Gulls deserved the win against a Blues side that again lacked any serious threat in the attacking third.

The first half was tight with few genuine scoring opportunities but Canvey always looked the side most likely to score and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 20 minutes. Former Blue Simon Thomas got on the end of a low cross to open the scoring from close range.

Grays had a good deal of possession but despite some flashes of skill from Carlos down the right, they were unable to trouble Josh Vickers in the Canvey goal.

Leon Lalite and Kenny Beaney went into the book early in the second half as Blues tried to stamp some authority on the game but just as Canvey looked to be running out of ideas Harrison Chatting was brought on for Nash just before the hour mark and his pace and pressing of the Grays defence opened up a chink in the armour and within a minute of being on the pitch he set up Thomas whose chip over Lamar Johnson hit the post and rolled to safety.

Two goals in as many minutes put the tie beyond Grays. Jones finished off a good move to drive past Johnson and a minute later McBean nodded home a Sellears cross with 15 minutes remaining.

Aside from a 90th minute shot from Carlos the home side remained untroubled and saw the match out for a comfortable win and a place in the next round of the competition.