Match Report by David Powell

Canvey Island closed the gap on top spot to just two points with another win on the road, as they defeated Wingate & Finchley 2-0 at the Maurice Rebak Stadium.

In a game of limited chances, second half goals from Bradley Sach and Conor Hubble kept the Gulls in contention for the title, as other results meant that they are now just two points from the current leaders.

The first half saw Canvey dominate possession but create little in front of goal.
Their best chance came on 38 minutes, when a Conor Hubble shot deflected off a defender and struck the crossbar, the rebound hitting the goalkeeper as it bounced off the line.

The hosts had a big chance of their own just before half time, but a ball played in from a quick breakaway trickled wide for a goalkick.

Backed by a vociferous Yellow Army, Canvey started the second half well and got the opener on 54 minutes. Conor Hubble cut into area and fired a shot that was saved by Ben Goode. The ball couldn't be cleared however and Bradley Sach was on hand to fire the loose ball home for his 22nd goal of the season.

It would take them just four minutes to find their second. Evans Kouassi and Luca Albon combined down the right, with the formers blocked shot being recycled by the later. Albon's cross picked out Hubble, who headed home from close range to put the Gulls in cruise control.

They were to create a few more chances, but couldn't find the killer third goal. Hubble saw another effort fired over the bar Kouassi struck a powerful shot that smashed against the crossbar following a scramble near the goal.

Down at the other end, Bobby Mason, who was rarely tested for much of the afternoon, had to be alert to make a couple of good saves in the last ten minutes, ensuring his side kept a clean sheet on the road.

The result was a huge one for Canvey, with results around them now meaning they are all but guaranteed a playoff place, with first place just two points away, though currently in the hands of Bishop’s Stortford.

They'll now have a week to prepare for a huge easter weekend double header - a trip to Kingstonian up first on Saturday before a massive match at home to Aveley on Easter Monday.