by Dan Thurogood

CANVEY boss Danny Heale felt his side’s performance was below par as they fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Hornchurch.

Gulls took the lead through Jay Curran but then conceded two as the Urchins secured their fifth pre-season win on the trot.

But Heale felt despite the defeat it was important to not get too carried away.

“Apart from conceding silly goals today, our first half performance was good,” the Canvey manager said.

“I feel we are two or three bodies short. I’ll be looking to add to the squad in the coming weeks.”

Gulls played well in the first half and got the opening goal just after half hour through Curran.

He latched onto a long through ball that was misjudged by defender Jed Chouman.

Curran lifted the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Sam Mott and into the empty net.

Hornchurch, who were relegated from the Ryman Premier last season, responded well to the setback and got an equaliser just before the break.

Tom Pennells skipped past two Canvey challenges before laying the ball to Calvin Poku.

He took a touch and from the edge of the box drilled low into the bottom left-hand corner giving Canvey goalkeeper Jake Larkins no chance of saving it.

George Purcell looked a threat for the Urchins throughout the match. He hit the post from a free-kick in the first half and was given too much time for the winning goal.

He played a lofted through ball which beat all the Canvey defence and allowed Poku to lob Larkins with a first time header on the hour.

Canvey struggled to create chances after falling behind.

Ozzy Adenizi forced a good save from Mott but that was the only notable chance as Hornchurch looked the more likely to add to their lead.