Carlisle United experienced a dose of reality as Canvey Island threatened to steal all three points at the start of the season.
Despite a bright opening by the Cumbrians they never looked comfortable going forward and failed to make many clear chances until Chris Billy shot straight at Danny Potter from eight yards.
Carlos Roca was a strength in the centre but then played a nice one-two with Brendan McGill before skipping past Smith only to scuff his shot.
By now the Gulls had found their feet and they should had been in front from Lee Boylan, top scorer last season with an amazing 57 goals .
With Jeff Minton pulling the strings in midfield Canvey Island had a platform in the fame but they still failed to find the net .
Carlos Roca began the second half in top gear and was left frustrated by poor finishing and great save from Potter .
Billy's left wing cross was met by Brendan McGill who squared for substitute Craig Farrell to crash a low shot goalbound until Potter intervened.
After the match Jeff King said: "We knew they would start fast. We've come from another league and this is the pace.As the game went on, we played better.
Carlos Roca boss Paul Simpson said: "We wanted a home win but Canvey Island should be up there by the end of the season. We've seen things we need to improve on."