Match Report

Canvey Island picked up three important points with an excellent 2-0 victory over Maldon Town at Park Lane. This win takes them on to 10 points and up to 7th in the table just behind the play off places. After Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Lowestoft in the FA Cup, Canvey were keen to erase memories of that game with a decent performance and they did just that. They worked hard for the entire 90 minutes and played some good attacking football along the way.

Canvey started the brighter of the two teams with Leon Gordon and Chris Bourne causing problems with their pace down each flank. It was from Canvey’s first real goal-scoring attempt that they took the lead on 23 minutes.

Dave Kreyling hooked in a high hanging cross from the right and Jay Curran’s looping header deceived the keeper just enough to loop into the back of the net. This goal gave Canvey a great deal of confidence and they started to play some great attacking football. An excellent knock-back by Curran saw Leon Gordon fire in a half volley that keeper Gould did well to hold on to
Maldon were still a danger on the counter attack and Ricky Wiseman was almost deceived by a tricky bounce from what seemed a routine shot. Luckily Wiseman was able to adjust enough to save on the line.

Canvey were almost two up just before half time. A superb corner from Lee Jay found the head of Dave Kreyling and his bullet header was brilliantly parried by the keeper. Jay Curran was unable to latch on to the rebound.

At the other end a well worked free kick nearly deceived the Canvey defence. A Maldon forward was left unmarked at the back post but Wiseman was able to brilliantly smother his header.
With the score-line 1-0 at half time, Canvey were looking to make a positive start to the second half to consolidate their lead. They did just that and in fine style.

Clyde Roberts lashed a hopeful effort over the bar but moments later Canvey were 2-0 ahead. It was Nicky Rugg who started and finished the move. He played a great ball out to Lee Jay on the left who beat his man and played in a great cross that Rugg swept home at the far post.
It was a well deserved goal for Rugg who ran his heart out all game and held the ball up superbly.

Backed by a vociferous crowd of 284, Canvey looked to extend their lead. Some great play by Chris Bourne on the left saw Jay Curran denied by a combination of goalkeeper and defender at the near post.Maldon brought on veteran striker Steve Portway but to no avail. Kevin Dobinson who dominated the midfield all game lashed a long range effort just wide as Canvey kept dominating proceedings.

With all the work Canvey were putting in, it was understandable that they started to tire near the end. This allowed Maldon to dominate possession but with Andrew West, Kreyling and George Blewer in fine form they couldn’t find a way through.

A free header was squandered at the back post and then Wiseman held a free kick in injury time but Maldon rarely troubled a solid Canvey backline.

This victory will give Canvey plenty of confidence for the next couple of games. On Saturday they travel to Ware who are directly below them in the table. A victory there would take the Gulls within touching distance of the play offs.

Oysterfleet Man of the Match:

NICKY RUGG: Covered every blade of grass in a hardworking performance. Started and finished the second goal.

Match Report by David Powell.