CANVEY Island manager Danny Heale admits tinkering with the formation backfired after his side came back from 3-0 down to beat Bowers & Pitsea 5-3.

The Gulls were staring down the barrel of an embarrassing result in their latest pre-season friendly on Saturday, but turned the game on its head to continue their preparations with a victory.

Canvey started the game with a diamond but quickly switched to a 4-4-2 after shipping what Heale called “comical goals”.

“We had been practicing with a diamond and we went with it and I am not sure if it threw us a little,” he said. “The goals we conceded were comical but we dominated after half-time by which point we had changed the shape.

“That plan backfired but we put it right and now is the time to do that.”

Canvey travel to Great Wakering Rovers tonight (kick-off 7:45pm) with Heale still mulling over his options in defence.

A number of trialists are still doing their best to impress the Canvey manager and are expected to line up this evening, with Heale impressed by what he has seen so far.

“We are close to making some signings and those on trial have really impressed me with their attitude and work rate.

“It will be a similar team against Wakering, including some boys playing 90 minutes, and I look forward to seeing what they can show me.”

Elsewhere, East Thurrock United make the short trip to Aveley looking to get more minutes under their belt ahead of a first season in the National League South.

John Coventry’s men dispatched Erith & Belvedere 6-0 on Saturday, and he is likely to give more game-time to several trialists who featured in that match (kick-off 7:45pm).

Bowers & Pitsea visit Wivenhoe Town, looking to build upon their first-half performance against Canvey.

Bowers are likely to have an easier time against the Eastern Counties Football League Premier League side, and manager Rob Small will not want his side to be complacent when the game gets underway (kick-off 7:45pm).

Basildon United play their final match of pre-season when they travel to Olympian outfit Harold Wood Athletic, Hullbridge host Witham Town and