Match Report

Canvey’s quest for FA Cup glory came to a premature end when they were dumped out by Ridgeons’ Premier League Lowestoft Town in this First Qualifying Round match. The Trawlermen who defeated Canvey in this competition nearly 7 years ago completed a 3-1 victory despite Gulls dominating much of the game and hitting the woodwork on at least 3 occasions. Canvey dominated the first half but found the woodwork and Lowestoft keeper Andy Reynolds a major barrier to them gaining a first half lead.

They may have taken the lead after just 6 minutes when after a great passing move Steve Corbell found himself free in space on the left. His low driven shot seemed destined for the bottom corner but struck the inside of the post and bounced to safety.

It was all Canvey at this stage and once again the woodwork came to Lowestoft’s rescue when Jay Curran turned superbly in the box but his shot was touched on to the post by keeper Reynolds. Once again the rebound bounced kindly into the keeper’s grateful arms.

At this stage Canvey were doing everything but scoring. Jay Curran went on a superb driving run and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that the keeper got the slightest of touches to. This was just enough to turn it on to the crossbar.

Moments later and it was Kevin Dobinson’s turn to shoot on goal with his powerful effort only just clearing the crossbar.Lowestoft only threatened the Canvey goal briefly and when they did, they found Dave Kreyling in imposing form at the back. Backed by a vocal away support they seemed to be second to the ball every time in the first half but somehow stayed in contention.
Another chance went begging for Gulls when Nicky Rugg did superbly to lay the ball into Steve Corbell after holding off a couple of defenders. Corbell’s raking drive was just inches too high and wide.

So Canvey went in at half time not quite believing the score-line was still goalless but confident of continuing their superiority in the second half. Unfortunately they seemed to lose their attacking impetus with Lowestoft exploiting this to the full.

The half was nine minutes old when Richard Woodrow picked up the ball on the left hand side, was allowed to make a couple of strides and unleash a fantastic curling shot from fully 25 yards into the top corner. Canvey were stunned and despite dominating possession couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Lowestoft defence. Leon Gordon came on for Lee Jay as Canvey tried to find some fresh impetus.

Eventually their pressure paid off on 73 minutes. From a corner Andrew West miss kicked his volley and the ball fell perfectly to Dave Kreyling who tapped home from a few yards out.
This seemed to be the perfect incentive for Canvey to go on and win the game but all the equaliser did was to strengthen Lowestoft’s resolve.

They regained the lead 5 minutes later when Ally McKenna was able to outmuscle Danny Lamb on the left and chip the ball over Ricky Wiseman from a difficult angle. Worse was to follow 5 minutes from time when Lowestoft were able to pass and shrug off several challenges and Jamie Stokeld was able to score from just inside the area with the aid of a deflection.

Canvey’s FA Cup adventure was over and only a save from Wiseman near the end prevented Lowestoft from adding a fourth. Despite dominating much of the game, Canvey failed to take their chances and were beaten by a ruthless Lowestoft side who made Canvey pay for defensive errors.

Gulls will look to get back to winning ways in the league on Tuesday night with a home fixture over Maldon Town.

Oysterfleet Man of the Match:

Match Report by David Powell.