Canvey Island 0-2 West Ham United U21

Match Report by David Powell

Canvey Island ended their pre-season preperations with a 2-0 defeat to West Ham U21s at the Moviestarr Stadium.

In front of a large crowd of 1159, the Gulls gave a good account of themselves against a young and energetic Hammers team, who started much of their FA Youth Cup winning side, including UEFA Conference League appearance holders like Ollie Scarles, as well as Canvey supporter and local Mason Terry in goal.

In a tightly contested first half, Sam Jackson made a good fingertip save to turn over a long range effort early in the match.
New Canvey signing Luke Ntim impressed out wide and was unfortunate to see a curling shot drift just inches wide of the far post midway through the half.

In the second half, Evans Kouassi was introduced from the bench and began to cause the West Ham defence problems down the left.
Elliott Ronto came closest for Canvey as a well weighted ball found him in space in the box, but Mason Terry was on hand to smother his shot well, despite the offside flag eventually going up.

Canvey couldn't take the initiative however and as both sides rung the changes, it was West Ham who grew more into the game.

They took the lead on 77 minutes, as good work on their right flank saw an effort scrambled in at the far post as the Canvey defence fluffed their lines for the first time in the game.

They sealed the result on 88 minutes with a similar goal, this time turned in at the near post to gift the Hammers the game. Despite the result however, the Gulls were clapped off by many of the 1100+ in attendance for their effort through the match.

With pre-season now concluded, the Gulls begin their league campaign on Saturday with a home match against Haringey Borough.