CANVEY Island missed out on reaching the third round of the FA Cup for just the second time in their history as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Boreham Wood.

The Gulls, who went into the tie as the lowest ranked side remaining in the historic competition, discovered before kick-off that a home tie with Championship outfit Millwall would be in the offing if they could secure victory in front of the BT Sport cameras.

But goals from Kabongo Tshimanga, Kane Smith and Matt Rhead ensured Canvey’s stunning FA Cup run would come to an end.

While the clash took place behind closed doors due to the current government restrictions put in place because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a host of Gulls fans peered over one of the Park Lane terrace fences to catch a glimpse of the action.

But Canvey boss Mark Bentley would have been disappointed to see his hosts fall behind inside eight minutes as Wood broke the deadlock with the first meaningful attempt of the tie.

Frontman Tshimanga created a yard of space which allowed him to get a shot away and beat Canvey goalkeeper Bobby Mason from the edge of the penalty area.

The National League side controlled proceedings by enjoying lengthy spells of possession and doubled their advantage soon before the half hour mark in rather fortuitous circumstances.

With the rain driving down at Park Lane, Sorba Thomas found Smith and his drive from an acute angle took a wicked deflection to leave Mason helpless.

Having provided the assist for Boreham’s second goal of the evening, Thomas tried his luck from range and Mason, who joined Canvey from Isthmian North rivals Great Wakering Rovers during the initial lockdown period, got down well to parry the rasping drive away.

Mason then made a stunning diving save to frustrate former Billericay Town striker Rhead, whose flicked header looked destined for the top corner of the net.

While Wood went in search of more goals before the break, Canvey struggled to break down the visitors’ experienced backline and goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore was not forced into action in the first half.

With Boreham oozing confidence, they put more pressure on the home side’s rearguard straight after the resumption and a Smith effort stung the palms of Mason before Jamie Salmon could clear the danger.

Mason diverted a Thomas free-kick over the crossbar as he continued to keep the Gulls' hopes of staging a memorable fightback alive.

Canvey responded with Elliott Ronto, who scored the winner in the first round win over Banbury United, testing Ashmore with a ferocious drive.

Mason's impressive evening continued by making a double save to thwart Thomas and Tshimanga, while opposite number Ashmore stopped Evans Kouassi halving the Gulls' deficit.

Boreham rubber-stamped their place in third round as Rhead headed home from close range having initially been denied by Mason.