Match Report

Canvey Island’s inconsistent season continued with a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Wivenhoe Town at Park Lane. Canvey’s inability to string together a consistent run of results could cost them dear and once again defensive frailties were their major weakness tonight as all three Wivenhoe goals came from set pieces.

Wivenhoe who featured ex Canvey players Dave McGhee, Steve Parmenter and Neil Gregory started the brighter of the two teams. A mix up by Chris Bourne and Ricky Wiseman nearly allowed Simon Thomas an opportunity on goal after just two minutes but Dave Kreyling made a great last ditch clearance to prevent any danger.

It took Canvey a while to really get into the game but they started looking a threat with Clyde Roberts down the right looking particularly lively.A good move involving Jay Curran saw Leon Gordon hold the ball up superbly and lay it off to Ryan Edgar who toepoked his effort just wide. This was during Canvey’s best spell of the half but they were caught cold on the half hour mark when Wivenhoe took the lead.

Neil Gregory won a free kick some 25 yards out and Jeff Shepherd hit a powerful low drive that went straight through the wall and nestled in the bottom corner of the net. Canvey were stunned and Wivenhoe looked to take advantage of this. Wiseman had to turn an awkward effort over the bar and then saved brilliantly with his foot after Parmenter’s low driven cross had found the onrushing forward.

Leon Gordon was booked for fouling the goalkeeper as Canvey ended the half on the attack but for the most part, Wivenhoe were good value for their lead. Canvey needed to start the second half in positive fashion and they did just that. Lee Jay tested keeper Ollie Sanders with a curling free kick that the keeper brilliantly turned around the post.

A few moments later and it was George Blewer’s turn to test the keeper with a low drive from long range that Sanders saved comfortably. Moments later and Canvey were level. Kevin Dobinson played a fantastic ball from the right to the back post where Leon Gordon got a powerful header in. Sanders got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it from entering the net.

Canvey were in the ascendancy now and with Clyde Roberts teasing the full back were looking likely to get the next goal. The Wivenhoe defence stood firm though with a defender making a great block to deny Gordon and Sanders having a confident game in goal.

It was Wivenhoe who took the lead just after the hour mark when another set piece was defended poorly. Steve Parmenter’s driven free kick from the left was touched home by an unmarked Jeff Shepherd with the Canvey defence completely static. Steve Corbell was sent on for Lee Jay in an attempt to get the equaliser but it was Wivenhoe who grabbed the killer third goal. Shepherd this time turned provider with a great free kick to the far post where Jack Wignall was unmarked and headed home.

Canvey tried desperately to get back into the game but despite pressuring the Wivenhoe goal in the last 10 minutes found their defence and keeper in solid form.

Canvey now have a break of 10 days before their next fixture at home to Bury Town. They’ll be looking to solve some of their defensive problems in preparation for that match.

Yellow’s Man of the Match:

CLYDE ROBERTS:  Had a lively game on the right wing, beating his man every time.

Video Highlights

Canvey Island v Wivenhoe Town - Ryman League Division 1 North - 17/10/2006

Video by Ken Campbell