CANVEY fielded a stronger than expected line-up for last night's Essex Thames-side Trophy home tie with Ryman Premier Billericay Town and went nap with a 5-0 success.
In stark contrast to the powerful senior side put out by their hosts, the visitors fielded only four first team squad players.
New on-loan striker Steve Burton got the ball rolling with the first two goals, scoring from close range after six and 25 minutes before leaving the field injured.
However, his replacement, Ollie Berquez, grabbed the third and Neil Midgley's volley made it 4-0 two minutes after half-time.
Midgley set up Berquez's second to complete the scoring after 75 minutes in a match which Gulls had originally billed as a reserve outing.
They now visit Southern League Division One East basement club Tilbury.
East Thurrock failed to go top of Southern League Division One East after being held to a 1-1 draw at mid-table Wingate & Finchley.
In Conference South, Thurrock won 3-1 at Hayes to maintain their play-off push.
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