Match report by David Powell

Canvey Island exited the FA Trophy at the Second round stage after a 1-0 defeat to Conference South Tonbridge Angels at Park Lane.

Despite a difference of more than two divisions, Gulls more than held their own and but for some outstanding goalkeeping from Angels keeper Jonathan Henly may have taken Tonbridge to penalties.

On a bitterly cold, windy day. Canvey had the wind to their advantage in the first half.

They created the better chances in the opening 20 minutes. Harrison Chatting fired over from a Matt Price header and then Henly saved a low shot from the former Heybridge striker.

Tonbridge responded with Sonny Miles curling an effort over the crossbar on 15 minutes before Evans Kouassi struck a thunderous drive over a few minutes later.

Chatting tested Henly with an effort that caught on the wind and the keeper had to save at the second attempt.

Tonbridge enjoyed a good end to the half with Tommy Wood's header cleared off of the line by Jey Siva with Joe Turner firing the follow up over the crossbar.

Wood then flicked a header wide from Ricky Modeste's right wing cross as the half drew to a close.

In the second half, Canvey had to replace Price with Ben Foord who has been prolific this season for Benfleet due to illness.

Tonbridge now had the advantage of playing with the wind and they started to stamp their authority on the game.

Bobby Mason had to punch over a dangerous free kick from Aaron Smith-Joseph before Tonbridge took the lead on 56 minutes. Joe Turner picked the ball up on the edge of the area and fired in an effort that took a big deflection before hitting the net.

Canvey to their credit responded well. Callum Fitzer played Kouassi in down the left and his low cross caused havoc in the penalty area with a defender clearing into the grateful arms of the keeper.

Mason did well to save two long range efforts from Turner and then Tom Beere before Canvey dominated the final ten minutes.

Tobi Tinubu tested Henly with a swerving long range effort and then Mike Finneran was unable to get a decent enough contact on a left wing cross from Kouassi.

The best chance for Canvey came in the 89th minute. Kouassi found Conor Hubble in space in the penalty area, he dummied a defender but with just Henly to beat the keeper brilliant pushed his effort away for a corner.

Henly then athletically pushed a cross shot away from Chatting but despite their pressure, Tonbridge held on to progress through to the third round of the Trophy and inflict on Canvey only their second defeat of the season.

Photo: KJA Sports Images