Match Report

Canvey Island extended their unbeaten run to 7 league matches with a hard fought 0-0 draw against an in form Redbridge at Oakside.

In a game of very few clear cut opportunities, Canvey will certainly draw heart from an organised defensive display in which Colin Wall and Kevin Dobinson in particular were outstanding.

It was Canvey who edged a tight first half creating the better opportunities. On 10 minutes, Danny Curran provided a great cross from the left that Jay Curran headed off target.

A minute later and Gabriel Fanibuyan exploited some space in front of him to make a surging run towards goal but fired his shot just wide of Tony Tucker’s goal from the inside of the box.

Redbridge gradually came into the game a little more with both Leon Fisher and Steve Butterworth causing problems on the wings but despite good build up play at times, the final delivery was often lacking.

When they did get the delivery right, the Canvey defence was on top form clearing their lines well. James Russell also had another solid game in goal showing impeccable handling as he came and caught several awkward crosses.

He did well on 21 minutes getting down to hold a low effort from Leon Fisher at his near post after Fisher had latched on to Leon Antoine’s knock down.

Jay Curran showed great persistence to chase a long ball and outmuscle the defender soon after but with Tucker off his line, his attempted shot towards goal went into the stands.

Canvey had a further chance just before half time on the counter attack. Some good running by Leon Gordon down the right saw him pass to Nicky Rugg. Rugg fired in a cross shot that was just the right height for Tucker to beat away with the Redbridge defence clearing the loose ball.

If Canvey edged the first half then certainly Redbridge had the better of the second half. Canvey struggled to keep possession at times but despite Redbridge having a greater percentage of play, they were rarely able to get a decent effort on goal with most of their shots barely troubling James Russell.

Danny Curran, Clydie Roberts and Fanibuyan tried their best to take the game to the Redbridge defence but found their rearguard giving very little away with the experienced Tarkan Mustafa in particular having a good game.

Kevin Dobinson making his first start of the season was booked on 62 minutes but redeemed himself 10 minutes later making a great clearance as Antoine’s header looped towards the net.
Dobinson was replaced by George Blewer a few minutes later but enjoyed a fine return to first team action.

A free kick into the box for Redbridge caused an almighty scramble in the box with Russell eventually grabbing hold of the loose ball amongst a melee of challenges. This lead to a confrontation amongst both sets of players that the referee was quick to put a stop to.

Redbridge eventually forced Russell into a save on 84 minutes when Antoine tried his luck from outside the box. His shot seemed to be bending towards the goal but Russell did well to get up and across his goal and palm the ball away with one hand for a corner.

From the resulting left wing corner, the ball dropped to Fisher at the far post but he could only fire a presentable chance into the side netting.

Three minutes later and Redbridge were reduced to ten men. Nicky Rugg chasing a long through ball was clearly dragged back by Redbridge captain Jack Wignall. As the last man and possibly preventing Rugg from having a goal-scoring opportunity, the referee had no alternative but to send Wignall off.

Canvey pushed forward in the remaining few minutes as they looked to snatch victory but despite winning a couple of free kicks in decent positions, they couldn’t make their extra man advantage count so had to settle for a draw.

Canvey are next in action away to Wingate & Finchley next weekend as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the New Year.

Yellow’s Man of the Match:

COLIN WALL:   Great game at the back, winning every tackle and header.

Match Report by David Powell.