Match Report

Canvey suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to a struggling Tilbury side in front of a decent crowd of 516. Once again Canvey dominated possession but too often resorted to the long ball game in order to break down stubborn opponents rather than get the ball down on the floor and play the passing game that has opened teams up in the past.

Canvey’s downfall was not having a substitute goalkeeper to replace Ricky Wiseman who was forced off at half time with a rib injury. Full back Adam Holmes was forced to go between the sticks for the second half and despite playing well had little chance of saving either of Tilbury’s two goals.

Canvey started brightly and might have gone in front after just two minutes when Kevin Dobinson was felled in the box. The referee waved away the penalty appeals from the Canvey players.

Dobinson then slammed a free kick just too high and wide and after winning a string of corners, the Tilbury defence had to be alert to make several good blocks as Canvey threatened to score the opening goal.
Colin Wall had to make a great challenge to deny Jordan Tolan as Tilbury came into the game as an attacking force. The game seemed to turn in Tilbury’s favour about ten minutes before half time. Ricky Wiseman went down after a sturdy challenge by the Tilbury forward whilst claiming a high ball. He had lengthy treatment and continued until half time but could not continue.

With no sub goalkeeper on the bench it meant Adam Holmes a full back who played as a goalkeeper in his youth going in goal for the second half. This obviously gave Tilbury a huge advantage.

Wiseman in his ten minutes on the pitch after injury made a couple of brave saves as Tilbury started to gain a foothold in the game. Canvey though started to come back into it and dominated the last few minutes without creating anything of note.

Despite the disadvantage with the keeper, Canvey started the second half brightly. Chris Bourne nearly converted Nicky Rugg’s knockdown but could only poke the shot straight at the keeper from a few yards out.
Canvey though were caught out on the break just before the hour mark when Tilbury broke through. Holmes did well to save the first effort but from the rebound the ball was passed back into the centre for Deakin to poke home.

Canvey tried desperately to break through a stubborn Tilbury defence but when they did, they found keeper James Marrable in tremendous form. He did well to hold a powerful shot from distance from Dobinson and then dived full length to turn away Jay Curran’s curling effort from the edge of the box.

It seemed one of those games when the luck had deserted Canvey. Despite Clyde Roberts’ tenacious efforts in midfield they really seemed to be missing the drive and quality of Ryan Edgar.

The keeper did well to anticipate a quick free kick from Dobinson and then Colin Wall headed a free header over the bar as Canvey kept attacking.
Tilbury had to battle on with 10 men in the last few minutes when after making all their substitutions, Danny McGoldrick was stretchered off.
Canvey couldn’t capitalise on this and Tilbury sealed the game in the last few minutes. Danny Pitts tried his luck from the left hand corner of the area and saw his effort deflect off George Blewer and over Adam Holmes into the net.

It was a subdued Park Lane that greeted the final whistle and Canvey will hope to bounce back and get back to winning ways when they start their FA Cup campaign at home to Fakenham on Saturday.

Oysterfleet Man of the Match:

CLYDE ROBERTS: Tried his hardest to get Canvey going from midfield but to no avail.

Match Report by David Powell.