Match Report

Canvey produced a magnificent performance in the Essex Senior Cup 3rd Round away to Ilford on Wednesday night. In the competition that we have won on 3 occasions, John Batch fielded a team with 6 changes for Saturday's 1-0 victory at Waltham Abbey. The hosts however fielded a full first team for the match, but were unable to contain a lively and hard working Canvey side.

Ilford started the match steadily enough, and carved out the first real opportunity of the match after 7 minutes. Unfortunately for Ilford, the advancing striker's final touch took the ball away from him at the vital moment.

This was about as much of Canvey's goal that The Foxes saw during the first half, with Steve Corbell causing the Ilford defence cause for concern. On 12 minutes he broke through the home side's back line to latch onto a well directed ball. Only a good last gasp tackle meant that the shot on goal was prevented. 5 minutes later, Clyde Roberts' brilliant control and distribution in the midfield sent Corbell through again. This time he opted for the shot from 25 yards, which Ilford 'keeper Richard Wray did well to tip over his crossbar.

From the resulting Lee Jay corner, a Jon Stuart flick on saw the ball fall to Assistant-Manager and veteran midfielder Garry Britnell to hit home. This was Britnell's first goal for Canvey Island's First Team for nearly 7 years! His previous strike was on Saturday 27th November 1999, when he scored the second in a 2-0 away victory away to Uxbridge in the FA Trophy.

Canvey were encouraged by this goal, with Jay Curran flashing a shot narrowly wide on 22 minutes after good work down the left flank by Matt Reade. Curran then turned provider 2 minutes later, knocking the ball to Steve Corbell just outside the box, who was in turn fouled to halt any further progress. The resulting dead ball cross was floated into the back post and onto the head of Britnell who struck the bar. The ball ricocheted down and appeared to strike the hand of the Ilford defender on the line, though a penalty appeal was turned down as this was deemed unintentional by the referee, Mr Jerden.

Jay Curran started to have a great impact on proceedings, and twice was denied a shot on goal by cruel bobbles in the Cricklefield pitch. However, on 45 minutes a moment of madness from Ilford defender Mathew Keogh saw him dismissed moments before the interval. After a strong but fair challenge by Steve Corbell, Keogh ran in the opposite direction to the ball to blatantly elbow the Canvey forward. Referee Mr Jerden, who had a good consistent game, was metres away from the incident and had no hesitation in producing the red card.

Half time saw a well deserved rest for Garry Britnell who was replaced by Craig Davidson in midfield. However, the half belonged to tricky winger Lee Jay, who produced a Man of The Match display to ensure that he was a constant threat.

Ilford might have equalised 11 minutes into the half when poor communication between Glen Johnson and Jon Stuart nearly allowed Chuk Dury to score, but a good recovery saw the Canvey 'keeper make a smart double save to preserve the lead.

However, 2 minutes later and the Gulls had extended the lead. A good run down the right wing by George Blewer saw him tripped near the corner of the 18-yard box. Lee Jay delivered a superb ball into the danger area, and found the head of Jay Curran to nod home after a brave challenge on the on rushing goalkeeper.

A minute later and the game was put beyond doubt. Jay Curran, bubbling with confidence after scoring his first goal in 8 games, was tripped in the area and a penalty was awarded. Steve Corbell drilled the ball into the bottom right corner of the net to score his 4th goal of the season.

Stuart Batch (67) and Nicky Rugg (74) came on for Clyde Roberts and Jay Curran respectively, though Ilford did start to excerpt pressure onto the Canvey defence. This told when on 75 minutes, an Ilford header was headed into his own net by Jon Stuart to give the home side a glimmer of hope. Nicky Rugg could have scored on 2 occasions, though good defensive work rate and committed goalkeeping denied the striker.

The game was sealed on 86 minutes when Lee Jay was obviously pulled back in the box when in a dangerous position, and another penalty was awarded. Steve Corbell struck a carbon copy of his earlier effort to ensure that Canvey reached the 4 goal mark for the 3rd time this season.

After the game, goalscorer and Assistant Manager Garry Britnell commented, "I thought it was a very good solid display from the lads. Everybody played very well, but Lee Jay stood out in my opinion. Jon Stuart also had an excellent game and scored the best goal of the night - it's just a shame it was up the wrong end!"

Overall, a very impressive display from the team, some of whom showed their ability despite limited first team opportunities of late. After the last two performances, I'm sure that Saturday's game at home to Witham Town couldn't come sooner for John Batch.

Canvey Man of the Match:

Lee Jay:  Outstanding pace, great trickery, superb delivery - an excellent winger's performance on a difficult playing surface,