CANVEY Island boss Mark Bentley is ‘buzzing’ to have led the Gulls into the first round of the FA Cup and is now dreaming of drawing Southend United.

The former Shrimpers midfielder guided his side to an entertaining 3-2 win against Cray Wanderers at Park Lane.

And Bentley is now hoping for another home tie as Canvey line up in the first round proper for the first time in 16 years.

“Hopefully we can get another home draw because then we’re guaranteed we can have supporters in and they’re a 12th man for us,” said Bentley, 42.

“As a player you think can we get a Sunderland away but for me personally I’ve love Southend or Gillingham as they’re my old clubs.”

Canvey raced into a 3-0 lead after just 22 minutes against Cray with Evans Kouassi bagging a brace before Conor Hubble also hit the back of the net.

But Cray scored twice in the second half, to leave Bentley feeling anxious in the dug-out. “The FA Cup brings up a lot of emotions and I think we went through everything,” said Bentley, who made 107 appearances for Blues.

“We were 3-0 up at half-time but they came back and I’m a Tottenham fan so I’m thinking here we go it’s déjà vu after the West Ham game.

“It was our mistakes which gave them the two goals and we could have been out of sight really.

“We missed a glorious chance to make it 4-0 but I’m absolutely buzzing and I’m so proud of my players.

“Cray Wanderers are a fantastic team and they will be going for promotion in the step above us.

“I’m delighted for everyone but we’re Canvey and we do things the hard way.”