Match Report

Canvey began their new campaign in Ryman Division One North in the best possible way with a convincing and entertaining 4-0 win over Flackwell Heath in front of an
impressive crowd of 433. Canvey dominated from start to finish against a Heath side who struggled to manage a shot on target. It was Leon Gordon who was the star of the show scoring a well taken hat-trick.

Flackwell Heath were starting life in Ryman One North after winning promotion from Ryman Division Two but found it an extremely tough baptism as right from the first whistle they were under pressure from the Canvey attack. Canvey took a little while to get going but might have taken the lead within the first ten minutes when Lee Jay put in an excellent cross and Nicky Rugg’s effort was blocked by a defender.

Despite their possession, Canvey were struggling to break down a robust Flackwell Heath defence. Kevin Dobinson was on the end of a couple of meaty challenges as Heath tried to stop Canvey from getting any real rhythm going.

A goal seemed inevitable and it came just before the half hour mark when Leon Gordon burst on to a through ball, rounded the keeper and tapped home into an empty net.
Clyde Roberts blazed high and wide soon after as Canvey continued to dominate. A second goal just before half time was the perfect end to an excellent first half.
A loose ball fell to Lee Jay 25 yards out and his low well driven effort evaded the keeper’s despairing dive and nestled into the bottom corner of the net.

Flackwell Heath were looking a beaten side now and Canvey continued where they left off in the second half. Nicky Rugg who had an excellent game in attack got on to the end of a through pass but toe-poked his effort inches wide with the keeper beaten. Canvey scored their third on 58 minutes when Nicky Rugg broke clear on the right hand side of the penalty area. He could have gone for goal himself but laid the ball back unselfishly for Leon Gordon who had a simple tap in.

Gulls were on fire now with Dobinson and Ryan Edgar pulling the strings in midfield. Edgar dribbled past a couple of players and played a great pass to Rugg. His low driven cross was inch perfect for Leon Gordon to smash home at the far post to complete his hat-trick on 61 minutes.

Canvey were in total control and had chances to extend their lead. Andrew West who had a superb game at the back made a storming run out of defence and his pass fell to substitute Steve Corbell whose curling effort was turned wide by keeper Nick Hart.
Clyde Roberts lashed an effort wide and then Nicky Rugg headed just wide from a superb Chris Bourne cross as Canvey continued to play some entertaining attacking football.
So a 4-0 scoreline and a great start to the new campaign. Every player in a yellow shirt played their part in an excellent team performance and one that will give the players and management plenty of confidence before our first away game against Wingate and Finchley on Tuesday night.

Match Report by David Powell

Oysterfleet Man of the Match:

Leon Gordon: Scored a hattrick in an excellent all round display of finishing.