CANVEY Island and Bowers & Pitsea will go head-to-head in a replay after playing out a 1-1 draw in their FA Cup third qualifying round tie.

The two sides clashed in an exciting local derby, with Mark Bentley’s Gulls looking to get the better of Isthmian Premier League Bowers.

Although Brad Warner gave Rob Small’s side the lead, Canvey ensured it would finish honours even as James White netted the equaliser.

The visitors created the better chances in the opening period, with Lewis Manor striking the outside of the post with eight minutes on the clock and David Knight forcing Lamar Johnson into a diving following a neat turn and shot shortly after.

Johnson comfortably gathered a long range drive from Warner before both sides struggled to muster clear-cut opportunities.

Having already been denied by the post, Manor was frustrated by the woodwork once again on the stroke of half-time.

Manor rose highest to meet Warner’s corner, but his header came back off the crossbar.

The first meaningful effort of the second half fell the way of the home side, with George Purcell forcing Callum Chafer into action.

But Bowers responded with Warner striking the post as Bowers were thwarted by the woodwork for a third time in the space of the opening 50 minutes.

Tobi Joseph raced down the other end and his attempt from an acute angle was parried away by Bowers goalkeeper Chafer, who is enjoying his second spell at the club following a year-long spell with Hornchurch.

Albert Levett’s effort went past the post as Canvey continued to search for an opener.

However, it was Bowers who were to break the deadlock with 68 minutes on the clock.

Warner combined with Manor before beating Johnson at his near post from a tight angle.

But the hosts levelled matters almost immediately.

After being found by White, Josh Hutchinson broke towards the by-line and returned the ball into the path of the central midfielder.

Canvey skipper White’s first time strike found the back of the net, giving Chafer no chance.

Bowers midfielder Joe Gardner, who joined from Concord Rangers last month, forced Johnson into a sprawling save with time running out.

Neither side could find a late winner and the two sides will meet again at the Len Salmon Stadium in midweek.