A CROWD of 353 took advantage of the offer of free entry for all when Ryman Premier Canvey Island and Division One North Great Wakering Rovers fought out a 2-2 draw at the Brockwell Stadium.

After Ty Benjamin had given the visitors the lead, new striker signing James Rowe shot home the equaliser from a rebound after his penalty, awarded following a foul on Kevin Dobinson, had been saved by goalkeeper Louis Green.

Dobinson himself put Gulls in front with a screaming 30-yarder, but Hugh Ashman grabbed an equaliser for the village visitors.

Real winners on the night were St Luke's Hospice, Canvey's charity partners. As entry was free, those attending were asked to make a donation to the charity.

Recent signing Richard Graham was on target with the only goal as Grays Athletic wrapped up their pre-season with a 1-0 win at Maidstone United.

Craig Edwards's men start their Blue Square Premier campaign at home to relegated Chester City on Saturday.

Ryman Premier Billericay Town had a hat-trick from striker Joe Flack, happily now fit after being local non-league soccer's highest profile swine flu victim, to thank for their 4-0 win at Essex Senior League Bowers and Pitsea.

Grays had a younger line-up at Ryman One North Concord Rangers and lost 5-0 with ex Millwall youngtster Lyle Taylor scoring twice.

Danny Heale, Nick Skelton and ex Brentwood and Aveley man Joe Sweeney completed the rout.

Aveley, preparing for their first Ryman year at Premier level, drew 1-1 at Met Police and Senior League Hullbridge went down 4-0 to a Thurrock X1 at Lower Road.

Jamie Wallace netted for Tilbury in a 2-1 defeat at London Colney, but had Chris Stowe sent off for retaliation.

The Blue Square and Essex Senior League teams get into action on Saturday with the Ryman League starting the following weekend.