Brentwood Town return under the lights at the Arena tonight, hosting Canvey Island. The Blues sit top of the table after a flying start to the season, while the Gulls have struggled, collecting just one point from six games – though that came recently in a 2-2 draw at Dartford.
The Blues
Brentwood returned to league action last Saturday and collected another valuable three points, this time against Carshalton Athletic.
The Blues fell behind in the 40th minute to Sharon Ifeanyi’s opener, but Daniel Ogunleye responded instantly to level the score. Carshalton then regained the advantage through Kolo Salami in first-half stoppage time, leaving Town with work to do after the break.
The second half told a different story. Louie Johnson struck a superb equaliser on 68 minutes, before Charlee Hughes headed home the winner in the 85th minute from an excellent Wyan Reid delivery.
The 3-2 victory extended Brentwood’s unbeaten run and kept them sitting proudly at the top of the Isthmian Premier Division.
Town will also be boosted by the return of key players, with Manny Ogunrinde, Shad Ngandu, and Mekhi McKenzie all nearing full fitness and pushing for involvement in the matchday squad.
The Gulls
Canvey Island, now managed by former England boss Peter Taylor, picked up their first point of the season last weekend with a 2-2 draw away at Dartford.
The Gulls made a blistering start, racing into a two-goal lead inside six minutes through Charlie Stimson and Max Fiddes. Dartford hit back after the break, however, with George Whitefield’s penalty and Olly Box’s quick-fire strike pulling the hosts level.
Striker Charlie Stimson will be the main threat to watch. Having opened his account for the season, he’ll be eager to build momentum and test the Blues’ backline.
Final Word
Brentwood will look to continue their impressive unbeaten start – five wins and a draw – and cement their place at the top of the Isthmian Premier.
Canvey, meanwhile, will be desperate to turn last weekend’s encouraging draw into a platform for their first victory of the campaign.
With both sides eager to make a statement, it promises to be a lively contest under the Arena lights.
