Match Report

Canvey ended a run of three straight defeats with an excellent performance in beating Great Wakering Rovers 3-1 at Burroughs Park. In front of a crowd of just under 300, Canvey dominated most of the match and played some excellent attacking football. Their margin of victory could have been greater but they were also solid in defence with Dave Kreyling and Chris Bourne in particular having excellent games and Ricky Wiseman solid in goal.

Canvey went in front after 9 minutes in bizarre circumstances. Lee Jay’s corner from the right was misjudged by Wakering keeper Louis Green and nestled nicely into the top corner of the net.With this goal Canvey’s confidence grew. Lee Jay and Clyde Roberts were posing plenty of problems down the flanks whilst Ryan Edgar was back to his best in midfield with an excellent display.

Kevin Dobinson volleyed a first time effort over the bar and then moments later Jay Curran had a great chance to increase Canvey’s lead. Green’s kick out was weak and fell perfectly to Curran who burst through with just the keeper to beat. Green redeemed himself with a great block.

Lee Jay who tormented the Wakering right back all afternoon dragged an effort off target as Canvey continued to play the better football. Wakering did end the half strongly but couldn’t find a way past an organised Canvey defence. Wiseman made a decent low save and then when he was beaten, Chris Bourne was there to head away any danger.

Nicky Rugg departed just before half time to be replaced by Leon Gordon and Gordon’s introduction added some pace to the Canvey attack.Within several minutes of the restart they were 2-0 ahead. Some good play down the left from Bourne saw the ball laid into the path of Gordon and his first time curled effort arrowed straight into the top corner.

Canvey were on fire now and moments later they could have got a third. Some more good play down the left saw Gordon find Ryan Edgar with the perfect cross. Edgar’s powerful header went inches wide of the goal with the keeper beaten. Wakering sent on player manager Iain O’ Connell in a desperate bid to get back in the match. Ricky Wiseman punched away a header as Wakering increased their pressure but Canvey still looked a threat on the counter attack.

Another fine move down the left saw Canvey grab their third goal. Chris Bourne teased the full back with a jinking run and sent over a great cross to Clyde Roberts who had time and space to place his header into the far corner of the net beyond the keeper.

The game was as good as won for Canvey but credit to Wakering who battled well in the last 20 minutes. With 12 minutes to go, they restored some hope with Nikki Beale heading home from close range after a flick on. Wakering’s strike partnership of Neil Richmond and Michael Begg tried hard to find a way through but found Dave Kreyling in commanding form and Canvey held on for the last 10 minutes with no further problems.

This victory takes Canvey up into 8th place and just a point behind the play off places. Victory over Wivenhoe on Tuesday night could see them move up into the top 5.

Yellow’s Man of the Match

DAVE KREYLING:  Outstanding in defence. Won every tackle and header.