Canvey Island 1-2 Whitehawk

Match Report by Glen Eckett
Image Credit - Nicky Hayes Photography

Canvey Island fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Whitehawk on a hot afternoon at the Movie Starr Stadium on Saturday.

In an even contest, the Gulls will feel that they spurred many chances to take something from the match, with opportunities in front of goal going begging, particularly thanks to the heroics of visiting goalkeeper Mitch Walker.

It was Canvey though, who took the lead on 11 minutes, when Louis Arrowsmith was fouled inside the area by Hamish Morrison after Joe Tennent had fallen over and conceded possession. Conor Hubble stepped up and sent goalkeeper Mitch Walker the wrong way from the spot.

The visitors equalised five minutes later, when the impressive Dom Johnson-Fisher cut in from the left and shot across goal, placing his shot in the bottom corner.

Whitehawk scored what would turn out to be the winner on 67 minutes, when they were awarded a free kick on the right. Joel Daly played the ball into the feet of forward Charlie Walker, who allowed it to run beyond him before skilfully flicking the ball goalwards with his right foot. This inventive finish wrongfooted Canvey keeper Sam Jackson and went in.

Both teams had chances to add to the scoring, with Jackson saving from Tommy Brewer down by his post on 69 minutes before Charlie Walker shot over with only the keeper to beat three minutes later.

Evans Kouassi and Conor Hubble had shots beaten away by Mitch Walker in quick succession in the 74th minute, with Bradley Sach unable to steer home the rebound at the third time of asking.

It capped a frustrating afternoon for the Gulls as they fell to another league defeat at home. They now find themselves back in cup action on Saturday as Braintree Town are the visitors in the Emirates FA Cup.