Match Report

Canvey Island picked up a useful point from a hard fought match away to Redbridge but will come away from the game feeling that they could have got all three points. Kevin Dobinson’s last minute penalty miss cost Canvey all three points but on the balance of play a draw was about right in a game of very few goal-scoring opportunities.

The game was played on a poor and bumpy playing surface that made any good football impossible. Neither side were able to string together a succession of decent passes, and as a result the game was often scrappy and offered very little entertainment to the hardy souls who braved a cold Halloween Tuesday night.

The best chance of a poor first half fell to Nicky Rugg who latched on to a long ball and lobbed his effort wide of the target after 16 minutes. Ryan Edgar also tested keeper Tony Tucker with the keeper claiming at the second attempt under pressure from Leon Gordon.
Redbridge edged the half in terms of possession and often looked dangerous at set pieces but the Canvey centre back pairing of Dave Kreyling and Dobinson was excellent throughout.

Clyde Roberts was booked as the half drew to a close with many spectators hoping for a better game in the second half. The game did improve with Canvey just shading the half in terms of chances.A surging run from Ryan Edgar on 55 minutes saw him strike a shot off target. Matt Reade came on for Rugg on the hour mark and his introduction gave some height to the midfield.

Redbridge at this stage came a little more into the game and Ricky Wiseman had to make a decent block at his near post to prevent a good strike. Redbridge did manage to get the ball in the Canvey net but the goal was ruled out for deliberate handball with Chris Perkins shown the yellow card for his troubles. The pace and persistence of Jay Curran was looking like Canvey’s best route to a goal. He chased a long ball and volleyed wide on 81 minutes and then as the game was nearing its’ conclusion he made his most telling contribution.

Another long ball came his way and he used his pace to trouble the defender enough into blocking his run on goal. The referee had no option but to give a penalty. Kevin Dobinson stepped up confidently and with Canvey fans expecting the net to bulge, Dobinson skied his penalty high over the bar and somewhere towards the London Underground line that runs alongside the ground.

Moments later the whistle blew with Canvey believing they had missed a great chance to claim victory right at the death. Nevertheless a point against a tough and uncompromising Redbridge side is a decent result and they will look to build on this when they travel to Waltham Abbey this Saturday.

Yellow’s Man of the Match:

KEVIN DOBINSON: Played very well as out of position as a centre back, seemed to have a good connection with Dave Kreyling.