Match Report

Canvey Island secured perhaps the most comfortable three points they will gain this season, coming away from Wivenhoe Town with a 2-0 victory. In reality, Canvey could have notched up a cricket score against the league’s basement side, though poor finishing and last gasp defending prevented the victory becoming an emphatic one.

The game started fairly evenly, with both sides taking time to settle in to the contest. Canvey had the vast majority of possession through midfield, though were struggling to get the ball to stick in the Wivenhoe third. Ian Luck and Nicky Rugg up front for The Gulls both had decent chances to open the scoring, though both efforts were struck narrowly wide of the goal.

With Canvey still controlling the game, it was Wivenhoe who had the best chance of the opening exchanges. A fairly ambitious shot from 20 yards was deflected off of Canvey defender Jon Stuart, sending keeper Mel Capleton in the other direction. With Capleton moving to his right, he flung himself across to his left to pull off a fine save.

As the match moved past the 25 minutes mark Canvey were really pressing to score the goal the match needed. Ryan Edgar had a long range drive which flew just over the bar, and Ian Luck twice got through on goal but his shot was saved on both occasions.

However, it was third time “Lucky” as Ian Luck pounced a loose ball on 34 minutes. After the initial shot was well saved, the Wivenhoe defence failed to clear the danger, teeing the ball up nicely for Luck to hit home to put Canvey one goal to the good.

Six minutes later and Canvey doubled their advantage through left winger Danny Curran. Leon Gordon played a smart ball to Ryan Edgar down the right wing, who beat the defender and delivered an excellent ball into the area. Danny Curran connected with the cross with a well placed header past the keeper for 2-0.

The second half started with Wivenhoe starting to come back into the game, having two shots saved by Mel Capleton. Canvey responded to this early warning well, and were soon back at the other end of the pitch creating chances. Clydie Roberts had three efforts from outside of the box, all of which were under hit allowing the ball to be collected comfortably.

One negative from the match was the injury to keeper Mel Capleton, who pulled up on 69 minutes with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Ricky Wiseman who maintained Canvey’s clean sheet.

As the match drew to an end Canvey were having shots on goal virtually every other minute. The best chance of the second half fell to Ian Luck with the last kick of the ball. Following Chris Bourne’s left wing cross, Luck brought the ball under control with his chest, though somehow managed to put his shot over the bar from inside the 6 yard box.

Man of the Match

Danny Curran: Worked tirelessly down the left wing and scored a well taken goal.