A violent flare-up during the game and in the dressing room between Shoebury-based defender Lee Shearer and Dover team-mate Dave Clarke overshadowed Canvey's most impressive pre-season show yet.

Dover were today thought to be contemplating whether both players can be fielded together when West Ham - probably with newcomer Stuart Pearce - visit the Conference side tomorrow.

Shearer and Clarke had to be separated by Dover's Southend-based defender Stuart Munday last night, before an even worse alleged incident off the pitch.

Canvey had matched Dover in an unusually-physical friendly, the Islanders having fewer of the chances but finishing the stronger, notably when Andy Jones just failed to touch in substitute Steve Parmenter's low cross.

Gulls coach Glenn Penny-father said: "I was pleased. It's the first match we've played where the tempo was as we can expect in the league, and we should have nicked a win."

He said Canvey are still keen on ex-Colchester midfielder/forward Paul Abrahams and former Southend left-back Mark Stimson.

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