Match Report

Canvey Island suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to league leaders Dartford at Park Lane. On a cold Easter Bank Holiday afternoon in front of a best crowd of the season of 819, there was very little to choose between the two sides but the Kent side managed to snatch the three points thanks to a strong defensive performance.

They took the one opportunity they managed to create and were quick to close down Canvey in midfield as well as give very little away at the back.

Canvey will be heartened by a decent defensive display but a cause for concern was that despite their possession, they created very few clear cut opportunities. Canvey have scored just once in their last four league games and will be desperate to cure this sooner rather than later.

The Gulls started brightly with Gabriel Fanibuyan on the left wing looking a lively presence. He was the main instigator of some of Canvey’s best moves during the first half.

Dartford enjoyed some good possession at times during the first half showing some neat touches but despite finding a great deal of space down the right wing, their final ball into the area was often disappointing.

Jay Curran had the first effort on goal seeing his deflected shot saved comfortably by Darts’ keeper Tony Kessell.

On 19 minutes some good play by Fanibuyan and Nicky Rugg saw Rugg break free down the left but Kessell was able to save his low cross at the near post.

Five minutes later and Dartford were ahead with their first real effort on goal. Junior Kadi played a free kick from near the halfway line into the penalty area that Canvey keeper James Russell came out to claim but could only punch the ball back into the danger zone. The loose ball fell conveniently to Brendon Cass and Darts’ top scorer fired home into the corner of the net much to the delight of the large travelling support.

Russell redeemed himself moments later doing well to snatch the ball off Jay May’s toe as the striker broke through on goal.

Canvey gradually regained their composure and edged the rest of the half.

Fanibuyan had a half chance on 28 minutes when Colin Wall knocked down Craig Davidson’s left wing free kick to him at the far post. Under pressure from the defender, the skilful midfielder managed to get a toe to the ball but could only poke it into the side netting.

Canvey’s best shooting opportunity came on 37 minutes. Clydie Roberts was given time and space to receive the ball on the edge of the area and fire in a shot that Kessell acrobatically tipped away with both hands for a corner.

Four minutes later and Gulls had a strong shout for a penalty when Jay Curran’s flicked header appeared to be handled by a defender in the six yard box. The ball fell loose to Rugg who could only poke his effort high over the bar from a few yards out.

The half drew to a close with Dartford protecting a slender lead.

It was more of the same in the second half with Canvey dominating possession but rarely breaking through a resilient Dart’s defence in which both Alex O’Brien and John Guest had excellent games.

At the other end Wall and Kevin Dobinson were keeping Cass and May extremely quiet as Dartford only threatened spasmodically on the counter attack.

Dobinson saw a close range free kick blocked by the defensive wall and then on 65 minutes Fanibuyan tried his luck from outside the area but watched his shot drift harmlessly wide.

Canvey’s frustration was beginning to grow and they sent on Chris Bourne and Ian Luck in an attempt to reinvigorate their attack.

Luck making his return to the side after nearly three months out through injury might have made it a dream return on 79 minutes. Bourne did well to run down the left and send in a low cross that Fanibuyan couldn’t quite reach but fell to Luck. The former Redbridge striker though saw his shot blocked superbly by a defender.

Bourne fired high over the bar from 25 yards as injury time approached and then Fanibuyan saw an opportunist effort sail high and wide of the goal with virtually the last kick of the game.

The final whistle sounded soon after and despite Canvey’s endeavour they came away with nothing to show for their efforts.

This victory takes Dartford one step closer to the championship title and promotion to the Ryman Premier League. Gulls meanwhile will attempt to find their shooting boots and kick start their bid for a play off place with a tricky match away to Arlesey next weekend.

Oysterfleet Man of the Match:

GABRIEL FANIBUYAN:  Was always lively down the left wing and looked the one player capable of unlocking a solid Dartford defence.

Match Report by David Powell.