Match Report

Canvey Reserves started their season in positive fashion with a credible 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge Reserves at Park Lane. Despite The Daggers scoring a last minute equalised, Ian Lowes will be pleased with the performance against the Football League outfit's second string.

The game started at a decent pace, with new addition Jake Snellin causing particular problems to the opposition defence. Nicky Reynolds and Victor Okisor both had shots saved by the goalkeeper in the first 20 minutes, with Canveyby now pushing for the opener.

However, the rest of the half belonged to Dagenham, with Mark Ryan having to do well on 3 occasions to keep the scores level. After a goal for Dagenham had been disallowed for a push on the defender, Harlee Dean netted for the visitors on 35 minutes to reward the pressure his side had been putting on the Canvey back line. Nick Reynolds should have equalised just before the break, but shot wide of the right post after rounding the keeeper.

Ian Lowes' team talk must have fired up Canvey, as they started the second half in a much more attacking style. Within 3 minutes of the restart Nick Reynolds had a header hit the post and another shot saved by the Lepine between the sticks for Dagenham. After a string of near missed the equaliser came courtesy of Nick Reynolds on 68 mintues. A great through ball by substitute Billy Bignall allowed Reynolds to race through and find the net with a powerful shot.

Within 4 minutes The Gulls had taken the lead, again through the ever impressive Reynolds. A cross from the right wing fell to him in the box, who took his time to produce a cool finish. However, despite the half belonging to Canvey, a defensive error allowed Paul O'Lima to level the match deep into injury time to give Dagenham a share of the points.

Man of the Match:

Danny Mitchell :  A nice tidy performance, stayed very calm under pressure