Match Report by David Powell
Photo Credit - Vicki Scott

Canvey Island suffered their first league defeat since August, going down to a 2-0 defeat against Margate at Hartsdown Park.

In a game in which saw both teams have a player sent off in controversial fashion, a still depleted Gulls side struggled to create chances in a game of few goal-scoring opportunities.

The Gulls were backed by a strong contingent of supporters, travelling down from Essex and in good voice throughout the game.

In a quiet first half, Ben Greenhalgh forced an early save from Bobby Mason to keep the Canvey number one on his toes.

Canvey's best opportunity of the half fell to Evans Kouassi on 26 minutes, who dribbled into the penalty area from the left and fired in a shot that Daniel Jinadu did well to touch on to the crossbar.

Into the second half and the flow of the game turned on two controversial incidents. Sam Blackman was first sent off for a second yellow card on 54 minutes for Margate. Then, moments later, Mason Hall received a second booking for what the referee deemed a deliberate handball.

Canvey manager Brad Wellman was then sent to the stands by the referee for protesting the decision.

The dismissals seemed to benefit Margate, with Eddie Dsane firing narrowly over the crossbar before they took the lead on 67 minutes.

Greenhalgh’s corner saw Cameron Brodie get in a shot that Mason saved initially, but the loose ball fell to Korey Henry who tapped home.

Greenhalgh nearly scored from long range with an audacious effort that Mason managed to tip on to the crossbar and away before Margate sealed the game on 81 minutes. Dsane’s shot was parried by Mason but fell kindly to Greenhalgh, who couldn't miss from yards out.

Kouassi had a chance to grab a consolation goal for Canvey in injury time, but dragged his shot agonisingly wide of the target, in a moment that seemed to sum up a frustrating afternoon for the Gulls.

Canvey will look to bounce back next weekend when Wingate & Finchley visit the Moviestarr Stadium.