Match Report by David Powell
Photo Credit - Nicky Hayes

Man Of The Match - Bradley Sach

Canvey Island made it 4 wins from their last 5 matches on Saturday afternoon, as they defeated Cray Wanderers 2-0 at the Steves Taxis Stadium.

In a game played in difficult conditions due to strong winds, the game hinged on a tale of two penalties - with Bradley Sach able to convert his in the first half, but Josh Williams missing his for the visitors in the second. Sach sealed the game late on to move the Gulls up to 6th in the table.

It was an emotional afternoon however, with news in the week of the passing of popular clubman and supporter Glen Eckett, after battling a long illness. A minutes applause was impeccably observed by all in the ground prior to kick off.

The Gulls opted to play with the wind on their side in the first half, though the conditions made it difficult for either side to truly make their mark on the game, with the ball swirling away any time it was played in the air.

The visitors crafted the games first chance on 6 minutes, with Bobby Mason needing to be alert to keep out a chance from Nathan Jeche at his left.

The Gulls came forward in search of the opener, though the strong winds stiffled much of what they looked to create with balls through. Likewise, the visitors were struggling to get out of their half, with Shaun Rowley in particular struggling to direct his goalkicks anywhere but out of play.

Despite the wind being against them though, the visitors would keep Mason alert however with chances from Josh Williams and Nyren Clunis. When Canvey's chance did fall however, they'd take it with both hands.

Another move into the box saw Chris Harris brought down by former Gulls man Charlie Edwards. Bradley Sach assumed penalty duties, and made sure to hit his strike hard and low to power past Rowley and put Canvey ahead just before half time.

Into the second half, and it was Canvey's turn to try and defend whilst the wind threw the ball back at them. It allowed the visitors to push forward down the flanks, and some trickery just inside the area saw a ball adjudged to be handled on 59 minutes, with the referee awarding Cray a penalty.

Josh Williams assumed responsibility, but with the wind still causing havoc, he lifted his penalty high over Mason's goal and into the main stand, keeping the scoreline in Canvey's favour.

Much of the half saw the ball remain in Canvey's end, with the visitors pushing for an equaliser but met by an industrious Gulls defence, with Ollie Parsons and Jimmy Wallace in particular dealing with much of what was thrown at them.

Wellmen rung the changes to keep a defensive shape and close press, and despite a header drifting over the crossbar after another Jeche chance, it looked like they'd done enough to warrant the points.

One more chance would come however, and it went to the Gulls. As they pushed further up the field in the dying embers of the game, a poorly timed backpack allowed Sach to pick the pocket of Rowley in the visitors goal. He didn't squander the gift, firing into an empty net to seal the win for Canvey.

The result leaves the Gulls firmly embedded in the playoff chasing pack, as they turn their attentions to the side directly above them in the table - a trip down to Lewes next weekend.