Match Report

This weeks game was always going to be tough. Southend Manor won the Division last year with Canvey coming runners-up. They had the psychological edge knowing that they had previously beaten us then drawn.

Perhaps this was why the Canvey boys went out in the first half very hesitant and sluggish. Southend Manor didn't look very impressive but our boys didn't seem too keen to utilise this. There was some sloppy passing, hesitant tackles and dodgy clearances. It was frustrating to watch, knowing that our boys can and have produced much better football.

The score remained 0-0 at half time. The second half started in the worse way with Southend Manor scoring a very scrambled goal. However this proved to be the kick Canvey needed and they suddenly began to play. Harry Neal and Jared Blake got stuck in at the back, cutting short any breaks Southend had.

There were some moments of magic where James Harrison, Archie Blackburn, Finlay Dobson and Jordan Bloss, played some one- touch passing that left the Southend midfield running about like headless chickens. This gave our boys back their confidence and shortly after Archie Blackburn sweetly crossed the ball to the feet of Levi Causton, who casually tapped it in the goal.

Realising that they were in fact a far better team, Canvey applied the pressure and dominated the game. Finlay exerted fantastic skill and footwork beating the opposition time and time again and was unlucky not to score. Archie hounded the defence and James once again covered all the pitch.

Boosted by the goal, Jordan worked hard in the middle and stopped everyone in their tracks thats tried to pass him. Levi chased everything and closed down the Southend defence. Jack Sims took control of his area and directed the defence with his persistant shouting.

The second goal from Canvey was probably the best executed this year from the team. Again it was made from a run up of fantastic one-touch passing where the boys looked up and used the space on the pitch. Nearly every member of the team was involved with a beautiful goal from Finlay Dobson, on the right, straight into the corner of the net.

The second half was exciting to watch and hopefully next time, the boys will go straight out and play like this.

Player of the match was given to Archie Blackburn.