Canvey Island
Rising through the non-league pyramid during the nineties, Canvey Island found glory soon after. At the beginning of the millennium the Essex side won the F.A Trophy in 2001. The Jeff King era peaked when the Gulls reached the National League three years later lasting two seasons. Eventually voluntary relegation saw Canvey Island drop to the Isthmian Division One North. The two spells in that division since, both ended in playoff wins, the last coming three years ago.
2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 17th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: Winners
Top League Scorer: Chris Harris (11 goals)
It wasn’t a great start by the Gulls almost a year ago, Canvey Island lost their opening four games. The Islanders recovered and by the end of November were a point shy of a top five place. However, they started handing out gifts in late December and January. Canvey Island lost seven in a row and went on to win just four of their last 16. One of those wins was against struggling Hastings United, which all but guaranteed the Gulls survival and their opponents’ relegation. Under Brad Wellman, Canvey Island were the third lowest scorers in the division last term.
Manager – Peter Taylor
Former Dartford player manager, Peter Taylor returns to management at the age of 72. He will be the most experienced manager in the Isthmian Premier League. As a player he had success with Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur as well as representing England four times. Taylor went on to successfully manage the under 21 international team and one game as interim manager for the first team.
At Dartford he managed for four seasons. He guided the Darts to back-to-back Southern League Cup wins. Taylor won two Kent Senior Cups and reached the F.A Trophy semi-finals twice. Not only that, he also put his name in the club’s all-time top ten scorers list. Since the Darts offered him his first managerial job, Taylor has gone on to take charge of Southend United, Gillingham, Leicester City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Hull City and Crystal Palace and that just scratches the surface. Most recently Taylor rocked up at Welling United followed by Maldon and Tiptree.
Summer Transfers
After four years as manager of the Gulls, Brad Wellmen left the club in the summer. The former Canvey Island boss won promotion to Isthmian Premier and guided the club to the playoffs in their first campaign back. Last season he won the Essex Senior Cup. Now it’s Taylor’s turn to shape a new look squad.
Goalkeeper, Tom Middlehurst will be between the sticks after arriving from Isthmian North side Tilbury. Providing competition in goal will be Lewis Greene who arrives from Brihtlingsea Regent.
Charlie Stimson won the F.A Trophy with seventh tier Hornchurch in 2021. He joins the Gulls from Heybridge Swifts. Danny Nesbitt follows Stimson from the Essex side. Isthmian South East runner up, Codey Cosgrave makes his way from Sittingbourne. Supporters Player of the Season at Concord Rangers, Lewis Jaggs makes a very short journey to his new team.
Koby Yeboah won the Isthmian South East playoffs with Brentwood Town last term, the midfielder signs for Canvey Island. Alex Moss and Louie Remi make the step up a division having played for Grays Athletic. Callum Morris leaves Cheshunt behind to join up with Taylor’s squad. Jed Brown-Johnson arrives from Hertford Town and 19-year-old left back Olu Shobowale from Southend United. Capped by the British Virgin Islands, Tyler Forbes arrives from Poole Town. Full back, Joe Halsey played for two relegated sides last season. The defender joins Canve Island after spells with Hendon as well as Bowers and Pitsea.
Some of the notable players retained are Michael Finneran, who returns to the club in the role of player coach. The Manager’s Player of the Season, Elliott Ronto, who has been named captain.
Leaving the club is Supporters Player of the Season, Emmanuel Adebiyi and striker Bradley Sachs, who moves to Hashtag United. Oliver Parsons and Kane Gilbert both transfer to AFC Sudbury. Jaden Crowhurst and Jimmy Wallace have both departed the Gulls as well.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 8 / Canvey Island wins: 0 / Draws: 2
Previous Six Meetings
Canvey Island 0 – 1 Dartford (28/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Canvey Island (17/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Canvey Island (12/10/2010 – F.A Cup)*
Canvey Island 2 – 2 Dartford (09/10/2010 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 2 – 1 Canvey Island (05/04/2010 – National South)
Canvey Island 2 – 5 Dartford (29/12/2009 – National South)
* Dartford won 9-8 on penalties
Next Meetings
Dartford v Canvey Island – Saturday 6th September 2025
Canvey Island v Dartford – Saturday 11th April 2026
Statistics
- Dartford have won all eight league fixtures against Canvey Island with an aggregate score of 24-6
- The Darts have won four and drawn one at Princes Park versus the Gulls in all competitions
- Dartford have also won four and drawn one at Canvey Island in all competitions
Match Highlights – 2024/2025
Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV
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