DANNY HEALE started his reign as Canvey manager with a 3-0 friendly win over Burnham Ramblers on a sweltering day at the Prospects Stadium.

Many of the new Gulls signings made telling contributions, and none more so than striker Simon Thomas, who helped himself to a brace against the Essex Senior League champions.

Thomas chipped the hosts ahead after four minutes and then doubled their advantage two minutes before the interval after he was set-up by new Canvey centre back Rob Bartley.

And there was still time in the first half for new Gulls forward Spencer Bellotti to pull the ball back for trialist Jay Nash – who starred for Great Wakering last season – to make it 3-0.

Bellotti had a penalty save by Burnham keeper Jack Parr – after Nash had been fouled – in the second half, but Heale said it had been a good day’s work from his new side.

He said: “I thought we played really well even though we tired a bit in the second half and made a lot of changes.

“Burnham gave us a good game but we were a lot fitter than them.

“But we can take a lot of good points out of the game and move on to Monday now (when Canvey host Millwall).”

There was also a pre-season win for Canvey’s fellow Ryman Prem-ier side, Billericay Town.

A side with a blend of experience and youth beat Ryman One North side Romford 2-1 at New Lodge.

Central defender Ryan Scott gave the hosts the lead but Boro levelled before Town’s new centre forward James Robinson – a summer signing from Maldon – hit the winner.