Match Report

Canvey Island U8's had a bright start and battled well straight from the whistle, but strong defending by Benfleet kept Canvey from winning what was a tight game. All of the lads played well, with everybody contributing to a good team performance.

Benfleet broke away in the 7th Minute, the resulting shot rattling the Canvey crossbar. Canvey cleared the ball and continue to press, some brave goalkeeping kept Henry Sims from scoring Canvey’s first as they broke up field. The resulting corners are well defended, both taken by Harry Harrison.

Benfleet broke away in the 12th minute but Canvey held firm and some good passing between James Heys and Harry Harrison on the left left only the keeper to beat, who again saved the shot wellwell. Canvey, not to be denied, continued to press and more good work from James Heys down the left puts the ball through to Thomas Diss who calmly slotted the ball home to the keepers left.

1 - 0 Canvey!!!!!   

Benfleet pushed for an equaliser, but Canvey defended well with some good defensive blocks and alert keeping from Harry Bates. The half time whistle blows and Canvey take in a deserved half time lead.  

It was much of the same in the second half with end to end football. Benfleet had a great attack on 23 minutes, but the shot was well saved by Harry Bates for a Benfleet corner, which was again saved by Harry.

On 27 minutes Canvey broke away with James Heys clean through, but brought down on the edge of the box. Henry Sims took the resulting free kick, but his shot went narrowly wide of the target. Canvey continued to push and the ball rarely ventured into the Canvey half for nearly five minutes. During this spell, Henry Sims was seemingly brought down in the box, but the penalty was not given. On 36 minutes its Benfleet’s turn to push on and Canvey’s resolute defence finally conceeded to level the scores.

After the goal, Canvey pushed on bravely and dominated the rest of the half. Benfleet some how hung on for the point with some strong and sometimes desperate defending.

This was a great Canvey performance, our best yet, and we were very unlucky not to win.

A great team effort…well done lads!!!      

TEAM:

1 – Harry Bates – A good solid game and some great saves.

2 – Reece McDonough – Another solid performance at the back, but substituted at half time through injury.

3 – Adam Pickett – Played well at the back, some great clearences.

4 – Harry Harrison – Another strong performance up front.

5 – Harry Herbert -  (Sub 20) Came on for Reece at half time and filled in well.

7 - Henry Sims (c) – Worked hard up front, never shirked away from a tackle!!

8 – James Heys – Great work down the left wing, had a great game.

9 – Thomas Diss– Great passing, scored our only goal and man of the match.

10 – Byron Brackett (sub 32) - Played well when he came on.   

Referee – Daniel Powers (Canvey Youth Academy) Had a great match and didn’t miss a thing (except maybe a Canvey penalty!!) Sorry Ref!!!