Newmarket vs Canvey Island: match preview on 8 September 2026

A replay of the FA Cup tie decided on 5 September is set to return to Newmarket, where the hosts will look to capitalize on home advantage after the first leg finished 1:1. Newmarket drew two of their last three competitive fixtures — a 2:2 against Haringey Borough and the 1:1 away to Canvey Island — but also picked up victories against Virginia United and Carina. Canvey Island sit on four points from five games with one win, one draw and three losses, having scored nine and conceded 11. The visitors will need to avoid the mistakes that cost them in their recent home friendlies, where they conceded five goals across two matches.

The first meeting three days ago at Canvey Island's ground ended level, meaning both sides still have everything to play for. Canvey Island's only win in their last five came 4:1 over Grays Athletic in the FA Trophy, while their other home matches produced a 1:4 defeat to Aveley, a 3:4 loss to Brentwood Town and a 0:1 defeat to Chelmsford City.

Canvey Island's defensive record in their four home matches this season raises questions. They conceded 11 goals across those fixtures, including five in two friendlies against Aveley and Brentwood Town. Newmarket, by contrast, have been involved in higher-scoring encounters — their 5:4 win over Carina and 2:5 loss to Springfield United suggest both sides are capable of finding the net.

Newmarket's record of two wins and two draws in five games places them in a stronger position than Canvey Island's one win and three losses, particularly given the home advantage in a replay where the away side typically faces greater pressure to avoid elimination.

Newmarket are the likely winners, provided they keep their attacking intent. A draw suits the visitors — and given how they run the clock down, that is the main threat. If Canvey Island can absorb pressure and hit on the counter, the replay could extend into extra time, but their recent home form does not suggest they have the defensive solidity to do so consistently.