Canvey's preparations for next Sunday's big FA Cup second round derby with Southend United at Roots Hall were given an extra burden by this draw at Division One Harlow.

For Gulls must replay this FA Umbro Trophy second round tie at Park Lane tomorrow night after a 2-2 draw at the new towners on Saturday.

With the national media spotlight already weighing heavily on his squad - a complete blackout on interviews with players has been ordered after tomorrow - the last thing manager Jeff King needed was a high profile game such as this replay.

The Islanders had been due to play Schweppes Essex Senior League Barkingside at home tomorrow to start their defence of the Essex Senior Cup, but this has now been put back a week.

A replay had looked a million miles away at the start of Saturday's action when Micky Bennett headed Canvey in front from close range from Adam Miller's free-kick, although ex-Billericay winger Jon Hooker forced a good save from visiting keeper Ashley Harrison five minutes later.

The game became scrappy in heavy conditions and Harlow got on terms just before the break when Canvey failed to clear a Dave Drury corner and home skipper Tony McNally scored.

Gulls' passport to round three of a competition they badly want to do well in looked assured when Steve Parmenter, fed by Wayne Vaughan, restored Canvey's lead in the 61st minute and Bennett came perilously close to increasing that advantage with an effort that grazed the bar.

However, Canvey, undoubtedly tired after their midweek FA Cup heroics at Port Vale and, with one eye obviously on that Southend match, they fatally relaxed with just seconds of normal time remaining.

They failed to check a great run in the box by Danny Crowley, who squared the ball for McNally to drive home from 12 yards for his second goal of the match.

It was good to see midfielder Chris Duffy, recovering from an operation, back on the bench for Gulls and it would be wrong to completely write-off his chances of being involved in the biggest game in the Island club's history at Roots Hall next Sunday.

Both Canvey and Billericay were finding out who they'll face in round three if they win their replays when the draw took place at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge home later today.

l CANVEY Island Supporters Club are running coaches to the big FA Cup tie at Roots Hall, leaving Park Lane at 11.30am.

The cost is £5 per head and the coaches will return straight to Park Lane afterwards where the clubhouse will be open for refreshments, and fans hope, a celebration drink.

If you're interested in booking ring Chris Gardner on 01268 696913 or 0411 006938.

Goalden moment - Micky Bennett notched Canvey's first in Saturday's FA Trophy draw

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

By Dick Marshall

Reporter's e-mail: dick.marshall@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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