Match Report

Canvey Island produced an impressive performance in thrashing Cray Wanderers 5-1 at the Brockwell Stadium.

 The Gulls were excellent value for their victory and at times played with real attacking flair.

Neither team had played a competitive fixture for several weeks because of the freezing conditions that affected most of Britain but it was Canvey who looked the more refreshed and energised and have bounced back well after a run of three straight league defeats.

In fairness to Cray, they competed well for much of the first half and caused the Gulls' defence a few problems. Once James Rowe scored on the stroke of half time though, Canvey took control of the game and confidently disposed of their opponents.

The first half took a while to get going as both sides looked a little sluggish after their recent lack of fixtures but it was Canvey who created the first opportunity of the match.

On 9 minutes, Greg Cohen's left wing corner was partially cleared as far as Kevin Dobinson who smashed a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area just over the crossbar.

The Gulls really should have gone in front on 19 minutes when Gabriel Fanibuyan broke through but with just keeper Jack Smelt to beat, he hesitated allowing Smelt to come out and block his effort. The ball eventually rebounded to Rowe but his shot was hacked off of the line by a Cray defender.

Cray responded well with Ross Lover getting on the end of a through ball moments later but Canvey keeper James Russell deflected his shot away with his feet.

Jamie Wood then tested Russell with a powerful low drive from 25 yards after a free kick was tapped to him as Cray asked a few questions of the Canvey defence.

Winger Marcus Cassius was by far their best player and he often troubled the Canvey full backs with his pace and skilful dribbling. Unfortunately, his teammates at times failed to give him the support that his positive play deserved.

The hard working Jay Curran turned and lashed a shot wide from the edge of the penalty area on 38 minutes before Cray again forced Russell into another impressive save.

The keeper had already helped an effort over the crossbar after poor marking had allowed the Cray forward too much space in the penalty area but on 39 minutes, the ball fell to John Guest in space on the right hand side of the area after a scramble but Russell was off his line quickly to block the shot and deflect it wide for a corner.

Canvey though broke the deadlock with Rowe showing a moment of real class on the stroke of half time. The striker picked the ball up around 25 yards from goal and juggled it past a defender. Another flick worked him some more space before he showed great composure to drive a low shot from just inside the penalty area into the bottom corner of the net. It was a goal reminiscent of Paul Gascoigne's spectacular effort for England against Scotland during Euro 96 and certainly a strike that could easily have graced a higher level of football.

That goal came at a crucial time and it seemed to give Canvey an injection of confidence. They started the second half brightly and a great touch from Rowe found Fanibuyan in space on the right hand side of the penalty area but he sent a delicate chip high and wide of the goal.

Some more good work from Rowe provided a second goal on 51 minutes. He showed good strength to hold off a defender and dribble into the penalty area from the right. He knocked the ball into the path of Robbie King who rifled a low shot into the bottom corner of the net beyond Smelt.

Gulls should have increased their lead moments later when Rowe burst into the penalty area and laid the ball into the path of Curran but the forward blazed wide from close range with the goal gaping.

Cray now looked a beaten side although Cassius did his best to get his side back into the game. A magnificent run from the halfway line took him past several Canvey players but his final pass into the penalty area failed to find a team mate.

The Canvey defence also looked secure with Richard Halle and Frankie Everett dominant in the air against the Cray forward-line.

A sloppy pass proved to be Cray's undoing on 67 minutes when Canvey grabbed a third goal. Fanibuyan picked up a wayward pass just inside the Cray half and headed towards goal. The skilful midfielder still had a lot to do but he accelerated away from the defenders and into the penalty area and calmly poked a shot beyond Smelt for a fine individual strike.

That was game over for Cray and Canvey were really starting to enjoy themselves as they ripped apart the Wanderers' defence with some fine attacking play with Cohen and Fanibuyan in particular impressive down the wings.

Jason Hallett replaced Curran on 72 minutes and shortly afterwards got his name on the score-sheet. Hallett broke through the Cray offside trap, rounded the keeper and fired into the empty net.

Jon Edwards and Leon Gordon replaced Dobinson and Fanibuyan in the final 15 minutes and Hallett added a 5th in injury time.

A neat passing move saw Rowe pass the ball to Hallett in space on the right hand side of the penalty area. Hallett worked some space before firing in an emphatic shot that took a slight deflection as it entered the net.

Cassius grabbed a consolation right at the death that his performance deserved when he broke through and slipped the ball past Russell and into the net.

The whistle blew seconds later to seal a comprehensive victory for Canvey that was thoroughly deserved. They played with real flair at times and certainly entertained the 268 crowd that braved a cold and wet afternoon.

Gulls will look to build on this display when they travel to play off chasing Kingstonian next weekend.

Oysterfleet Man of the Match:

JAMES ROWE:  A classy display from Canvey's top scorer. Scored a goal of the season contender and was a real menace to the Cray defence.

Match Report by David Powell