Christmas has come early for Canvey Island defender Mick Bodley - and ruined his chances of playing in his side's biggest match ever against the Southend United club he once captained.

The Islanders were all set to play their FA Cup second round tie at Roots Hall and a Friday night date had been agreed with Blues when the match was switched from Park Lane after police and safety fears.

However, the Friday date was ruled out due to a massive Carol Concert being held at Blues ground that evening and the tie, with a 1pm kick-off, goes ahead at Blues' home on Sunday.

That means that Bodley, who once helped Blues escape Division One relegation under the managership of Steve Thompson, will be left sitting on the sidelines serving a one-match suspension.

That punishment was imposed after he was sent off for committing two cautionable offences during the Ryman League Premier Division clash at Aldershot the Saturday before last.

As with all disciplinary matters, Bodley's ban comes into effect two weeks after the offence. Said Gulls' boss Jeff King: "It's heartbreaking for Mick and a blow for us. I tried my best for him, but if Bods wants to moan to anyone he'll have to do it to 3,500 Carol singers rather than me."

Meanwhile, Canvey secretary Frances Roche has responded to criticism from Blues fans that ticket prices are still too high for the eagerly awaited game - even though they have been cut to £16, £10 concessions and £8 children.

Originally they were set at £20, £15 and £10 respectively and Mrs Roche said: "The first figures were arrived at during a meeting we had with Blues, but we got together for a rethink later in the day.

"There's certainly no question of us trying to rip off fans. We've heard no moans from our supporters who paid £15 for both the original match and replay with Port Vale.

"I think they'll be quite happy to pay an extra £1 for a round further on in the Cup for what we are certain is a match that everyone wants to see.

"Let's face it, this is a big game for both clubs. It's not often that Southend would be looking at at attendance hopefully around the 10,000 mark."

"Seats will be split 50-50 between ourselves and Blues and we're expecting a huge turnout when ours go on sale for the first time at Park lane from 7pm tonight.

"I want to stress that talks between ourselves and Blues boss Ron Martin have been tremendously amicable all the way through.

"There was never any question of them trying to pressurise us into playing at Roots Hall once staging the game at Park Lane looked impractical.

"We all want this to be seen not only as a great cup tie but a real day for the people of south-east Essex where whole families can come along and enjoy what is a unique occasion."

This was echoed by Martin himself who, while pointing out that Canvey, as the "home" side, were responsible for setting ticket prices, added: "After the original prices had been released the two clubs got together later in the day and had a rethink.

"Both clubs want this to be a real cup day for the whole of Essex - not just our two clubs - a tie to be savoured in a great atmosphere with everyone on friendly terms."

Although not a direct factor in reducing the original asking prices, both Blues' and Canvey's financial coffers will be boosted by BBC Radio 5 Live's decision to broadcast the whole match from Roots Hall.

However, suggestions that the Islanders will be coining in as much as £150,000 from the tie, made in one national newspaper yesterday, have been scoffed at by Park Lane officials.

Gulls' supporters worrying about which colours to wear for the match have had their fears eased by the news that, as the "home" club, their heroes will appear in their usual yellow and blue home strip. Southend will play in orange shirts.

Blues put their tickets on sale from 9.30am today and will continue selling throughout the week.

Happy days - Mick Bodley's delight at beating Port Vale in their first round replay last Tuesday has turned to woe because he will be suspended for the game. Bodley (right) is pictured with team-mate and Wayne Vaughan celebrating the 2-1 win at Vale Park

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

By Dick Marshall

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

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