Match Report by David Powell

Canvey Island moved into the top four of the Isthmian Premier after a comfortable 3-0 win over Brightlingsea Regent at the Moviestarr Stadium.

On a chilly December evening, the Canvey ground staff worked their magic to get the game on, with all other Isthmian League matches being called off after several days of snow and sub zero temperatures.

The brave 220 who chose to forgo a certain World Cup semi final were rewarded with an impressive attacking performance and three exquisite goals.

Canvey gave a start to Elliott Johnson in defence, making his return to the club after a brief spell last season. New attacking signing Ashley Nzala warmed the bench at the games start.

Canvey looked comfortable in possession and, aside from the odd visiting breakaway, controlled the game well.

After just eight minutes, Elliott Ronto broke through well from his more natural centre mid position but his shot was saved well by Charlie Turner.
Evans Kouassi broke through shortly after and rounded the goal keeper to slot the ball home, but his effort was disallowed for offside after a late flag from the linesman.

Connor Hubble then came close with a curling free kick that just cleared the crossbar on 16 minutes.

Jesse Olukolu was the threat for Brightlingsea down the right and a couple of good crosses from him caused a some headaches for the Canvey defence.

After another Kouassi effort drifted just wide of the top corner of Turner's goal, Canvey took the lead on 35 minutes.

A corner in was cleared as far as Jamie Salmon, and he struck a sweet curling effort from the edge of the penalty area that struck the underside of the crossbar as it fizzed into the net.

Canvey increased the pressure, with Hubble firing across goal and inches wide of the far post before good play by Joe Paxman set up an opportunity for Kouassi, who couldn’t quite extend the Gulls lead before the whistle.

Into the second half and two quick goals sealed the match for Canvey.

On 55 minutes, an excellent through ball from Kouassi sent Paxman through and he fired well past Turner, despite the keeper getting a touch on the ball.

A few minutes later, Kouassi scored a fine individual strike, receiving the ball with his back to goal before turning two defenders, going past another and then firing an excellent shot beyond Turner for the third.

They could have easily scored a fouth moments later, with Bradley Sach’s effort from a corner blocked and Mason Hall nearly turning in the loose ball.

Canvey brought on Ashley Nzala for his Gulls debut midway through the half and he looked to be a hanfdful for the visiting defence out wide.

Bobby Mason had to save a couple of efforts from Jason Banton, including a curling free kick from the edge of the penalty area. He did brilliantly to fingertip the strike away to safety, preserving his cleansheet with otherwise cold hands.

The referees whistle signalled joy for the Canvey squad, the win seeing them up to fourth and into the playoff places after weeks of knocking on the door.
They'll need to hold that position going into Christmas as they travel to Horsham this coming Saturday.