Canvey Island..........................0

Colchester United X1...........0

Canvey Island Football Club coach Glenn Pennyfather admitted to being "well-satisfied" with his side's first pre-season friendly workout on Saturday.

The newly-promoted Ryman League Premier Division side took on a strong line-up from the Nationwide League Second Division Essex outfit.

In front of a 300-strong crowd who basked in hot sunshine and temperatures nearing the 80s, Gulls gave a good opening account of themselves with the only thing missing being goals.

Said Pennyfather: "It's always nice to get the first game under your belt. It was a good workout and I was generally pleased with the way it went.

"Sure they perhaps should have won the game in the second-half as they missed some good chances, but, although we made changes, they virtually had different teams out for each half.

"Also, they've been back in full training for over a week whereas we have only had four sessions.

"Certainly there's plenty to build on from what went on out there and we'll be hoping to work on things for the other friendlies."

In a first-half short on goal chances, Canvey's keeper Ashley Harrison made one superb stop from ex-Spurs man Jason Dozzell while Colchester stopper Simon Smith, also previously with Tottenham, saved in great style from Andy Jones.

Canvey used a number of their summer signings including £5,000 Conference midfielder from Northwich Victoria, Chris Duffy, in the first-half.

Ex-Billericay central defensive pair Chris Moore and Gary Waters were also involved - the latter creditably putting a whole 90 minutes in for his first game since breaking a bone in his foot just after Christmas.

Gulls, with at least five possible first teamers unavailable, used a number of trialists in the second-half, by which stage Colchester had a stronger line-up out.

The visitors threatened to take control on one or two occasions, but were let down by sloppy finishing, although Brian Horne, who had taken over in goal by now, made one outstanding save and generally showed that he will not give up his number one spot without a fight.

Gulls continue their build-up tomorrow night with a visit from Ashford Town before hosting Leyton Orient on Friday. Both games kick-off at 7.45pm.

On the attack - Canvey (light shorts) got their pre-season programme off to a flying start when they met Colchester

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL Dagenham Dave lines up for Town

Billericay Town have added to their considerable strength at New Lodge with the signing of Dagenham and Redbridge defender Dave Culverhouse.

He played for the Victoria Road club in their FA Umbro Trophy defeat by Woking at Wembley Stadium two years ago.

Town start their first season under new boss Gary Calder, among the galaxy of non-league soccer people from other clubs watching Saturday's Park Lane action, at home to Nationwide League Third Division Barnet on Friday.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.