Monday 25th April 2011 and a bumper crowd of 1163 turned up at Park Lane, home of Canvey Island FC for a local derby match that is unique not only to the Island or the county of Essex but to the country as a whole.
Ryman Premier League Gulls and Island rivals Concord Rangers who play merely a mile away are the only senior football clubs on Canvey. Although little love is lost between them, they share the distinction of this being the only local derby fixture in the country where both teams’ play below sea level!
Extra spice was added to the fixture what with both clubs chasing a play-off place, and as Concord had won the previous fixture at their Thames Road ground back in February, Canvey were keen to even the score.
For the record, the match was held up for ten minutes due to crowd congestion. Once underway the visitors totally dominated the game. Canvey were not helped by being reduced to nine men by referee Mr Yeo. Nevertheless, Concord Rangers were well worth their victory by four goals to nil.
Here is The Football Adventurers picture gallery of the day’s events.
My son Stanley & I under the sea!
The Canvey Island supporters ready for the big match.
The 1163 crowd builds up.
The teams arrive on the pitch.
Concord Rangers start the brighter.
Alfie & Stanley look for a better vantage point.
But my youngest Oliver sleeps through it!
Concord celebrate a 4-0 win with their supporters.
10 things you should know about Canvey Island. From Seasider Review, the official programme of Canvey Island FC (price £2)
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