The tears flowed as Canvey's dream of creating soccer history faded and died yesterday.

Shattered - a dejected fan after Canvey's 3-2 defeat Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

The team, having already won the Ryman Premier title to gain promotion to the Conference National, were out for the double at the Premiership home of Aston Villa.

They were taking on Dr Marten's League Hednesford Town in the final of the non-league game's top knockout competition, the FA Trophy, a prize they'd won at the same venue three years ago.

But yesterday, on manager Jeff Kings' 45th birthday, they suffered a 3-2 defeat with the opposition grabbing the winning goal four minutes from the end.

Published Monday May 24, 2004

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