Hashtag United 3-1 Canvey Island

Match Report by David Powell
Image Credit - Nicky Hayes

Canvey Island fell to a defeat on the road on Saturday, as they were defeated 3-1 by Hashtag United at the Len Salmon Stadium.

On the back on a successful week for the Gulls, following from wins against Hastings United and Chatham Town, they looked off the pace against an organised hosts, who punished them for their below par performance.

On a freezing cold afternoon in Pitsea, Canvey's cause wasn't helped after an early injury to Charlie Edwards scuppered Brad Wellmen's first half tactics, and they found themselves 1-0 down after just 9 minutes. Max Cornhill’s pass was picked up by Toby Aromolaran, who's poked shot from the edge of the area somehow trickled through a crowd and past Sam Jackson into the corner of the net.

The hosts only sought to increase their lead, Tom Anderson first heading over before Aromolaran was narrowly off target with a first time volley at the far post. Their dominant display in the middle of the park caught the Gulls out cold and able to offer little in response as they were second best to every ball.

It only got worse before half time as the hosts doubled their lead. Percy Kiangebeni’s initial shot was blocked, but the rebound wasn't dealt with, allowing him a second bite at the cherry that he made no mistake with, putting the Tags firmly in control at the interval.

Jack Munns hit a shot wide on the stroke of half time after good work down the right by Luke Deslandes, but it was a rare chance for the Gulls who were fortunate to go in at half time at just 2 down.

Into the second half and the Gulls looked to show signs of improvement. In a moment of controversy early in the half, they had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away by the refferee. Luke Deslandes did well to get on a pass forward, breaking into the box and poking the ball past Joshua Strizovic, who appeared to have clearly brought him down. The refferee was uninterested however, and waved away his appeals.

Conor Hubble had a free kick blocked by the wall shortly after, before at the other end, Pedro Carvalho’s curling effort crashed off of the crossbar with Sam Jackson producing a great save to keep out Alex Teniola’s rebound.

Bradley Sach came close to continuing his recent goalscoring form for Canvey, as he first saw a header loop just wide of the upright, before firing a shot on the turn inches wide of the post shortly afterwards.

Their lack of a clinical touch in front of goal though meant the hosts could survive the early onslaught and make chances of their own, allowing them to seal the game on 67 minutes when Misha Djemaili smashed a low shot home from the edge of the penalty area after poor marking from the Canvey defence. At this point, with the temperature around -2 Celsius, some in the Yellow Army had seen enough.

Those who did stay were given a small glimmer of hope on 82 minutes, as Louis Arrowsmith did well down the left and laid the ball into Conor Hubble, who swept home from inside the penalty area to reduce the arrears.

It was a case of too little too late for Canvey however, who will be disappointed with their performance after setting better standards for themselves in recent games.
They'll have to recompose themselves quickly to bounce back on Tuesday night, as their busy schedule continues with a long trip to Horsham.