Match Report

Canvey’s interest in the FA Trophy came to an end with a poor display in losing 3-0 to Ryman One North rivals Maldon Town at Park Lane. In front of a crowd of over 300, Canvey were second best to a Maldon side who took their chances well and now go through to meet Leyton in the next round.

With Nicky Rugg, Jay Curran and Steve Corbell all out injured, Canvey were very short of options up front with Leon Gordon forced to play up front on his own supported by Ryan Edgar from midfield. Despite having plenty of possession Canvey created very little and had few shots on goal. For much of the first half though they more than matched their opponents and kept Maldon’s lively forwards Leon Antoine and Keith Martin fairly quiet.

It was on the 39 minute mark that Canvey had their first real shot on goal when Maldon keeper Gould held a powerful free kick from Dobinson at the second attempt. Soon after that Maldon took the lead. A cross from the right was not cut out and Martin was able to tuck the ball home at the far post.

1-0 down at half time and Canvey were determined to get back into the contest. Unfortunately they just couldn’t find a way through. Leon Gordon was battling gamely but had very little support from midfield despite the best attempts of Edgar and Clyde Roberts to support him.
Antoine volleyed an effort over for Maldon and Martin forced Wiseman into a decent save on the hour mark. From the resulting corner, poor marking allowed Martin to nip in at the near post and glance his header home for 2-0.

At 2-0 down Canvey were virtually a beaten side and heads seemed to go down. It got worse a few minutes later when from a short corner, Ollie Blackwell was left in acres of space at the far post to place his header beyond Wiseman and into the net.

With 20 minutes still left to go it was virtually all over for Canvey. Charlie Parker, Chris Bourne and Matt Reade all came on to try and rescue the situation for Canvey but to no avail.Bourne did inject some pace to Canvey’s attacks down the left and put in a couple of decent crosses. Roberts did manage to test Gould with an effort but by now the result was beyond any doubt.

So Canvey’s FA Trophy campaign came to a premature and disappointing end. John Batch will be hoping he gets some of his players back from injury in time for next Saturday’s league game away to Great Wakering Rovers.

Video Highlights

Canvey Island v Maldon Town - FA Trophy Preliminary Round - 07/10/2006

Video by Ken Campbell