Match Report

Canvey Island ended a run of three straight defeats with a 0-0 draw against Waltham Forest at The Armadillo Stadium. In a game that never really captured the imagination, Canvey were the dominant side, playing the better attacking football and creating several clear cut chances.

They nearly made the perfect start to the game when after just a minute, Ian Luck broke clear of the Waltham Forest defence down the right hand corner of the area but keeper Peter Goodman was able to make a block to deny the former Redbridge striker. Soon after on 7 minutes, Danny Curran did well to turn in a crowded goalmouth and dragged an effort just wide of the left hand post.

Luck’s pace was causing the Stags’ defence plenty of headaches and he had probably the best chance of the game on 11 minutes. Running on to Gabriel Fanibuyan’s through pass, Luck flicked the ball past the onrushing keeper but it trickled slowly towards the goal and agonisingly hit the post before the danger was cleared.

Canvey suffered a blow on 28 minutes when Fanibuyan went off with an injury. He was replaced by Ryan Edgar. By now the referee’s whistle was beginning to control proceedings as several players were booked.

It was still Canvey who were looking the better side. Mel Capleton in goal was having a solid game, claiming crosses with a great deal of confidence whilst Jon Stuart and Dave Kreyling were excellent when called upon. Nicky Rugg sent a looping header over the bar from a Craig Davidson free kick but by now both sides were struggling to create clear cut chances.

It was a similar story in the second half although the referee’s whistle was not as prominent this half. After creating very little, Waltham Forest had a great chance to go in front on 54 minutes. Stuart misread the bounce from a long punt up field and the ball fell to Jeff Hammond, whose first time volley seemed destined for the net. Somehow Capleton managed to turn his powerful effort over the bar one handed. It was a quite magnificent reaction save.

Canvey were heartened by this and with Andrew West and Leon Gordon linking up well down the right and Davidson and Curran down the left flank, they continued to probe a Waltham Forest defence that was very well organised. Ryan Hall in particular at the back had a good game defending many Canvey attacks with real assurance.

Ian Luck couldn’t quite keep his header down on 58 minutes after latching on to Rugg’s deep cross from the right. It was then Danny Curran’s turn to test the keeper Goodman. A free kick into the box caused some confusion in the Waltham Forest defence and although Curran didn’t quite get enough power in his shot, it still forced Goodman into a scrambling save with the ball cleared.

Goodman then showed great awareness on 76 minutes to claim a ball just before Clydie Roberts as Rugg’s hooked pass nearly found the hardworking midfielder in the box. Waltham Forest occasionally threatened on the break but the Canvey defence seemed to have the upper hand over their pacey forwards. Jon Stuart had to intervene nine minutes from the end making a superb challenge to deny the forward when he looked likely to get on the end of a long ball.

The game though drifted towards its’ conclusion with neither side able to find the breakthrough. A clean sheet for Canvey though and a very solid defensive display, something that they will look to build on when they travel to bottom of the table Wivenhoe next Saturday.

Supporters’ Coach Man of the Match:

MEL CAPLETON:  A confident goalkeeping display that was topped off by a brilliant reaction save in the second half.

Match Report by David Powell.