Match report by David Powell

Canvey Island maintained their position at the top of the Isthmian League North with an impressive 3-1 win over Aveley at Park Lane.

In front of an excellent crowd of 455, Gulls were good value for their win and again showed great togetherness and resolve to come back from a goal down.

Canvey were the better side in the opening 15 minutes of the match. A long range effort from Evans Kouassi who had another fine game was turned wide by David Hughes and then Conor Hubble set up a chance for Matt Price whose shot at the near post was blocked by a defender.

Aveley settled and a good period of possession provided a goal on 19 minutes. Makoshini Khayne who was making his debut for Aveley after signing during the week from Maldon sent in a left wing cross that was headed home by Manny Ogunrinde at the far post.

Canvey were unsettled by this and Alex Akrofi burst on to a through ball a few minutes later but his curling shot hit the inside of the post and was cleared to safety.

This was a big moment in the game as on 24 minutes, Gulls drew level. A ball from the right was left by Price and fell to Chatting in space and with the defenders standing off him. Chatting sent a low left footed shot fizzing past Hughes to bring the score level.

Aveley featuring former Gulls' players George Sykes and Marlon Agyakwa in their starting line up might have regained the lead moments later but Sykes miskicked the ball as he rounded Bobby Mason.

It was another crucial miss as on 32 minutes, great work from Kouassi down the right saw his shot saved by Hughes but fall to Hubble who did well to react quickly and drill a low shot into the net past a crowd of players.

Canvey were playing some fine football now and a superb break on the stroke of half time by Kouassi saw him find Chatting who in turn found Elliott Ronto who fired over from 20 yards.

Agyakwa tested Mason with a low shot with the last action of the first half.

Aveley started the second half on the front foot and for the first 15 minutes, Canvey were forced to defend tenaciously.

Despite their possession it was still Canvey creating the better opportunities.

They really should have gone 3-1 up on 53 minutes when Kouassi broke into the penalty area, rounded Hughes and squared to Price who somehow fired over a gaping goal from inside the area.

Kouassi again caused trouble in the Aveley defence when he got the better of Jonathan Nzengo but his close range lob was plucked out of the air by Hughes.

Hughes was having a torrid time in goal for Aveley. The former East Thurrock keeper was nearly beaten by a long ball forward from Jamie Salmon with the keeper having to scramble back to keep the effort off of the line.

He then turned over an outrageous 30 yard shot from Chatting for a corner on 66 minutes.

Aveley finally tested Mason on 69 minutes but he showed good reactions to save and then hold Harry Gibbs' header.

Canvey were looking dangerous on the counter attack. Some good play by Price set up a chance for Kouassi whose effort was deflected wide.

Canvey killed the game off with 12 minutes remaining in slightly fortuitous fashion. Hughes came out of his area to kick a clearance forward but completely mis-kicked the ball. The loose ball fell to Price and despite the angle being against him, Canvey's top scorer somehow managed to fire the ball home.

The final 12 minutes proved to be quite comfortable for Canvey as they defended Aveley's attacks well whilst continuing to be a threat on the counter attack.

Gulls are now unbeaten in their first 8 league games and have won their last 4 league matches.

They lead the division by 4 points before a tough away match at Bury Town next weekend.

Photo: KJA Sports Images