Match Report

Canvey started off the game in a different line-up with Jordan Bloss stepping in as right-back and James Harrison centre-midfield. Previous worries about the fitness/health of goalkeeper Jack Sims and Harry Neal were squashed as they both were raring to go.

Canvey started off strong and were at the advantage of kicking down-hill on a slightly slopping pitch. Finlay Dobson immediately looked dangerous down the left side and bravely fought off the strong tackles from the Hullbridge defender, who was more than twice his size. Most of the first few minutes saw Canvey attacking their goal with great passing between Archie Blackburn and James Harrison. Levi Causton took control on the
right with some superb throw-ons that were both powerful and accurate.

Hullbridge tried to bring the ball forward but Jared Blake and Jordan Bloss worked well together at the back and at times, Hullbridge must have felt like they were hitting a brick wall. Jack Sims was once again master of his area, directing and encouraging his defence.

It wasn't long before controlled play by James, Finlay and Levi, saw the Hullbridge defence fighting under pressure, and Archie Blackburn fired the ball towards goal. After a fumbled half-save the keeper couldn't keep it out the net and the ref awarded a goal. Canvey stepped it up a pace and once again Finlay used his speed to beat the defence. He was almost at the corner spot when he crossed the ball in. Amazingly, the ball swerved in towards the goal and shot into the corner net leaving players and spectators open-mouthed. Hullbridge kept trying to get back in the game and Jack Sims was forced out his area to make a fantastic clearance, showing his confidence and bravery. Both Jared and Jordan performed well in the air and any crosses that came in were dealt with efficiently and effectively.

With half-time drawing near, Canvey were given a free kick. Jordan came up from defence and took a magnificent strike the ricocheted off the cross bar. The whistle went and the Canvey boys were a comfortable 2-0 up. Second half saw Harry Neal come on in defence and Jordan returned to centre midfield. James went back on the left and Finlay on the right. Hullbridge came out with a new lease of life and immediately began putting on the pressure. Jack was very controlled in goal and made a few safe saves. Harry eased back into his familiar position and once again made some crucial challenges and powerful clearances.

Hullbridge hit the post and Canvey realised they need to get back into the groove. Archie continued to fight hard up front and some lovely foot-work skills by James saw him hitting the cross-bar with a great left foot strike. Jordan played some great balls to Finlay and Canvey were unlucky not to score again. Levi returned to the pitch and was fired up to get his name on the score sheet. Jared pushed into midfield and Jordan once again covered defence.

After some impressive and controlled passing, Canvey once again bombarded the Hullbridge goal. Levi managed to get a break and steamed past the defender. A brilliant strike saw the ball sail into the top corner, the keeper not even having time to see it. In a last minute attempt, Hullbridge caught Canvey off guard and once again goalkeeper Jack confidently came out his area to make a swift clearance. The final whistle blew with Canvey gaining another win. Player of the match was given to Jared Blake who was solid and reliable in defence but also showed confidence when pushing forward. All the boys played great showing what a versatile and mature team we have.

Players:

Jack Sims- Goalkeeper- Once again a fantastic, confident game, never looked fazed, always in control.

Jared Blake- Left-Back, Left-Midfield- Great solid game, good in the air, never troubled, showed great awareness. Man of the match.

Jordan Bloss- Right Back, Centre Midfield, Left-Back- Versatile and strong, cool under pressure, unlucky not to score, great headers.

Harry Neal- Right Back, Great clearances and challenges, always reliable, close marking and great awareness.

James Harrison- Centre midfield, Left midfield, Right midfield- Versatile, skillful and fast, great awareness, worked hard, unlucky not to score.

Levi Causton- Right midfield, Strong and confident on the ball, Cracking right foot, Powerful throw-ins, fantastic goal.

Archie Blackburn- Striker, Great passing and awareness, Fought hard , great corners, follows up well, scored a good goal.

Finlay Dobson- Left midfield, right midfield- little ball of speed and skill, not going to see another goal like todays for a long time.