Peter Smith was surprised at being given the chance to play a part in Canvey's first taste of Nationwide Conference soccer.
Veteran Smith, formerly a League player with Brighton and now one of the Islanders' longest-serving players, got his chance in the goalless draw at Carlisle due to schoolteacher Steve Ward's holiday and Dominic Sterling picking up a groin injury in the final friendly at Lewes.
Smith played at the back alongside Dave McGhee and Ben Chenery and said: "It was an hour before the kick-off when manager Jeff King told me I was in the starting line-up and I was shocked myself.
"I had a miserable time last season with a hamstring injury I couldn't shake off and didn't play much, but I was delighted to be involved in such an important opener.
"I'm pushing 35 now so I've got to take every opportunity that comes my way. Carlisle certainly came at us in the first 10 minutes and I had to kick a few to calm them down!
"Seriously though, we know that we've stepped up a level and it's going to be tough, but the lads are up for it and we battled well today for our point."
Published Monday August 16, 2004
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