A fantastic performance by the lads against this top of the table team. Canvey got off to a slow start in this match, but soon matched Leigh in every department. This was a close match, but our finishing proved more clinical than our opponents to earn as a well deserved victory.

A great home performance!!

Canvey Started slowly in the bitter conditions and had to survive some early pressure from Leigh in the first five minutes, our defence held firm though and all they had to show for their efforts was a few corners and not a single shot on goal.

In our first attack of the half, Canvey pushed forward and won a corner, Henry Sims, who is fast becoming a set piece specialist, delivered a super ball into the box which Leigh simply couldn’t deal with, unfortunately it was to good for our lads as well and when right through a crowd of players.

Canvey attacked again in the 10th Minute when Harry Harrison broke free on the right side of the penalty area, a smart shot to the keepers right flew into the left hand corner of the net.

1 – 0 Canvey.

Leigh proved why they were top of the table and immediately began to pressure Canvey, although they lacked any threat in the penalty area and despite a few simple pick ups, Harry Bates remained a spectator in the Canvey goal. Both Reece and Harry Herbert proved too solid for Leigh; Canvey’s midfield also proved how much it has improved in recent months and was always tracking back to help out at the back when needed.

Harry Herbert went closest for Canvey in this spell with a break away from midfield, although his shot was well saved by the keeper.

Finally in the last minute of the half, after some sustained pressure from Leigh, Canvey broke away again and this time Thomas Diss found himself one on one with the keeper, a controlled left foot finish to the keepers left put Canvey well in control of this match.

2 – 0 Canvey

Half Time.

Leigh Rockets again started well, but the few minutes of pressure was again easily soaked up by Canvey who broke away in the 23rd minute; some great interplay between Henry Sims, Harry Herbert and James Heys released Harry Herbert in the area, who just missed the target.

On 26 minutes, it was Leigh’s turn, but after a goal mouth scramble the ball as well cleared away by Adam Pickin in the Canvey defence. Two minutes later they attacked again and a foul on the edge of the box gave Leigh a free kick in a central position, the wall held firm though and the ball rebounded out to another Leigh player who fired it back in to the box, another scramble in the box led to crucial clearances from both Henry Sims and Thomas Diss, amazingly our keeper had still not had to make a save.

The rest of the second half followed this pattern with both sides threatening, but failing to make a breakthrough. With the onus on Leigh however, Canvey played a sensible game and never exposed themselves at the back, leaving at least two players back at all times, a lesson well learnt from two weeks ago.

On the final whistle, the difference between the two teams was our finishing; Canvey has proved again to have a very potent attack and with a strong and disciplined defence as well, is proving it’s a match for any team in the league.

A very mature team performance and didn’t make the same mistake of conceding late on.

Great work Lads!!!

TEAM:

1 – Harry Bates – A good solid game, not match to do, but alert when needed.
2 – Reece McDonough – Always there to clear up the loose ball.
3 – Adam Pickin – Had another solid game at the back when he came on at half time.
4 – Harry Harrison – Very lively in midfield, his tackling was strong and his finish for the first goal was top notch.
5 – Harry Herbert – Another good game, could have added another to hiss tally today.
6 - Brandon Fryer – A lively game and was always their to receive the ball.
7 - Henry Sims (c) – A really good game and his set pieces get better every week, no goals today, lets hope his saving them for Concord tomorrow!!
8 – James Heys – Another great game down the right as ever, always gives 100%
9 – Thomas Diss– Good work up front, took his chance well and didn’t panic.
10 – Byron Brackett - Had a good game today and was always strong in the tackle.

Referee – Must have had a good game as I barely noticed him, just how it should be!!