Canvey Island picked up their first victory of the pre season campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tiptree at Park Lane. The Gulls left it late to defeat their opponents from Ridgeons League Division One scoring two goals in injury time to confirm their victory.

Canvey dominated this game from start to finish but a combination of great defending and goalkeeping and some poor finishing kept the score down.

Canvey started the game in fine attacking style with Chris Bourne and Daniel Francis teasing the full backs and putting in many crosses from the wings and Kevin Dobinson often joining attacks from his position at centre back.

It was Bourne who provided the first opportunity of the game curling a shot just too high and wide after good play by Jay Curran on 7 minutes.

On 17 minutes, the impressive Ryan Edgar threatened the Tiptree goal with a powerful strike that took a slight deflection as it dipped over the bar.

Up until now Tiptree had barely threatened but Tommy English nearly took advantage of some indecision in the Canvey defence but lobbed his effort wide after finding himself in some space.

On 35 minutes it was Daniel Francis’ turn to test the Tiptree goal. A great run by Edgar opened up some space for the former Aveley midfielder but he fired his shot over from the right hand side of the box.

Andrew West replaced Kevin Dobinson who picked up a knock with Canvey continuing to dominate possession and create chances.

After a quiet opening 30 minutes, Gabriel Fanibuyan burst into life showing great skill to provide a chance that was hacked off the line with Nicky Rugg in close proximity.

It came as a bit of a surprise when Tiptree took the lead right on the stroke of half time. Lee Owen latched on to a wayward pass by West, strode clear down the left flank and fired home beyond Ricky Wiseman.

It was a shock lead for Tiptree but Canvey after making several substitutions started the second half in determined manner.

They should have grabbed an equaliser on 52 minutes when the keeper blocked an effort by Leon Gordon and then brilliantly spread himself well to deny Danny Curran from the rebound.

Fanibuyan was beginning to really light up the game with his pace and dribbling skills and a scintillating run took him past several defenders but he couldn’t apply the finish with just the keeper to beat.

He nearly made amends on 66 minutes showing great pace to take it past the full back down the right wing. Danny Curran got on the end of his cross but his header lacked power and drifted off target.

Canvey must have been wondering what they had to do to score. Another fine run by Leon Gordon saw him play in a great cross to the back post which saw a header come back off the post and then Danny Curran’s effort somehow blocked on the line as Tiptree desperately scrambled the ball away.

Eventually Canvey’s pressure told and they grabbed a fine equaliser on 72 minutes. Matt Reade found some space down the left wing and after working himself a crossing opportunity he played a great pass to Danny Curran. Curran turned instinctively and showed great technique to volley home powerfully into the net with the keeper well beaten. It was a finish of undoubted quality.

It was all Canvey pressure now although substitute goalkeeper Mel Capleton had to be alert to turn over an awkward shot at the far post.

Canvey seemed set for a draw when Ryan Edgar blasted an effort just over when he seemed odds on to score and then Clydie Roberts tested the keeper with a shot from outside the area that he did well to hold.

As the game reached injury time Canvey won the game with two fine goals. A goal kick from Andrew West was flicked on and it was Fanibuyan who reacted the quickest showing great pace to reach the loose ball, take it past the keeper on the right hand side of the area and then score from a difficult angle.

There was still time for a third goal with virtually the last kick of the game. Edgar and Fanibuyan did well to win the ball back and play it to Clydie Roberts. Roberts played an exquisite pass to send Matt Reade through down the left channel. The tall midfielder showed great composure to delicately chip the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net.

The goal rounded off a fine attacking performance by Canvey and certainly Gulls’ fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead that promises plenty of entertaining football.

Canvey continue their pre season with the visit of Metropolitan Police to Park Lane on Tuesday evening.

Yellow’s Man of the Match:
Gabriel Fanibuyan: Scored a well taken goal and gave the Tiptree defence a difficult afternoon with his pace and dribbling skills.

Match Report by David Powell