Match Report

Canvey Island produced a fine display in beating Brentwood 2-0 in the FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round at the Brentwood Arena. The Gulls will now take their place alongside teams from Conference South and North in Monday’s Third Qualifying Round draw and are just one game away from potentially meeting one of the Conference National’s big boys.

Canvey were well worth their win against their fellow Ryman One North opponents. Brentwood had been in superb form with just one defeat in all competitions leading up to this game but were second best for much of the match as Canvey produced a performance of skill and real passion.
Brentwood did start the brighter of the two teams in front of a decent crowd of 290.

Canvey goalkeeper Ricky Wiseman was called into action after just 5 minutes when he had to spread himself well and deny Sean Thomas at his near post when the striker had a clear sight on goal from Joao Carlos’ fine through pass.

On 15 minutes Lee Noble saw his header drift wide from a left wing cross but by now Canvey were beginning to settle and get a stranglehold on the game. Clydie Roberts and Craig Davidson were beginning to boss the midfield whilst at the back, Jon Stuart, Chris Bourne and in particular Andrew West were having excellent games, working as a unit to snuff out any danger that the Brentwood attack might pose.

Leon Gordon saw an audacious effort from nearly 25 yards drift just wide on 23 minutes before Canvey took the lead on 27 minutes. Craig Davidson’s free kick from the right was perfectly delivered for Andrew West who sent a well placed header from inside the penalty area beyond keeper Marc Palmer and into the top corner of the net.

Brentwood responded by attacking the Canvey goal. Noble fired a shot just over the bar from the edge of the penalty area after a mazy run. A minute later and it was Canvey creating an opportunity on the counter attack. Leon Gordon found himself in space on the right hand edge of the box but his shot was blocked. The rebound fell to Gabriel Fanibuyan who dragged his shot well wide of the target.

Brentwood had another chance to score just before the break but Chris Neville headed over Joao Carlos’ cross from the left wing at the near post.

So Canvey held a half time lead but would have been expecting a real onslaught from the Sky Blues in the second half. Despite bringing on Leon Diaczuk for Dean Nyman at half time, they rarely troubled Ricky Wiseman and it was Canvey who got better as the half wore on.

Andrew West could have extended the lead on 55 minutes when after a goalmouth scramble his header seemed destined for the net. Somehow keeper Palmer managed to scoop the ball off the goal-line one handed. The rebound fell to West but his effort was brilliantly blocked by Donovan Wilson on the line.

West was again in the thick of the action a few minutes later when he headed Daniel Francis’ right wing corner just too high and wide. Brentwood at this stage did have a period of good possession but all they could really muster was a header by Thomas from Diaczuk’s left wing cross that forced Wiseman into a scrambling save on the hour mark.

By now Canvey were starting to dominate the game in the midfield with Fanibuyan and Roberts both outstanding and Gordon and Francis causing problems for the Brentwood defence down the flanks.

Nicky Rugg had a great chance to seal victory on 68 minutes. Gabriel Fanibuyan was the instigator of the chance beating his man down the right flank and playing a great ball to the near post where Rugg poked his effort inches wide from just two yards out. Jay Curran replaced the hard working Danny Curran on 70 minutes and his pace and sheer persistence gave the Brentwood defence a few headaches.

Thomas scuffed an effort from a Tommy Lee knockdown but by now Canvey were threatening to seal the game every time they came forward as Brentwood pushed men forward and over extended themselves at the back.

Leon Gordon cut in from the right wing and curled an effort just over on 86 minutes and then Francis showed great skill to dribble towards goal and bend a shot from the left hand corner of the penalty area that whizzed just wide of the goal.

Eventually Canvey settled their nerves in the 89th minute with a goal of real quality. From another good counter attack Nicky Rugg received the ball in space. He spotted the run of Gabriel Fanibuyan who was completely unmarked in the penalty area and squared the ball to him.
The skilful midfielder strode through and placed his shot into the corner of the net beyond the advancing keeper to spark wild celebrations amongst the travelling Yellow Army.

The game was as good as up for Brentwood now and there was still time for Jay Curran to find himself in space in the penalty area, but he miss-controlled at the vital moment allowing a defender to get in a block.

The final whistle went soon after to complete a fantastic victory for the Gulls. They were strong in defence, creative and dominant in midfield and took their chances well when they came. Unlike in recent games they got stronger as the match progressed and could certainly make a case for winning this match by a greater margin.

They will look to build on this positive display on Tuesday night when they play Maldon Town at Park Lane in a tough looking Ryman Division One North encounter.

Supporters’ Coach Man of the Match:

ANDREW WEST:  Outstanding display in defence and his fine header opened the scoring. Always looked an attacking threat at set pieces.

Match Report by David Powell.