Match report by David Powell

Canvey Island returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Heybridge Swifts at Park Lane.

In front of an impressive crowd of 465, Gulls dominated the game from start to finish and now find themselves in 2nd place in the league before a crucial match at leaders Aveley next weekend.

Canvey right from the start of the match were in control of the game. Matt Price had a header saved by Callum Chafer on 9 minutes after he got on the end of Conor Hubble's left wing free kick and minutes later, the former Bowers goalkeeper did well to keep out Mike Finneran's downward header that appeared to be creeping into the top corner.

Chafer got down well to save a low driven effort from range by Evans Kouassi but on 21 minutes, Canvey's pressure paid off with the opening goal of the game.

From Hubble's corner, Chafer saved but failed to hold on to Elliott Ronto's header and Finneran was on hand to smash home the rebound from close range.

Canvey continued to dominate the half with Chafer punching clear a Hubble free kick and then Kouassi fired just across goal from the left.

On the stroke of half time, Kouassi raced on to a long ball from Jamie Salmon, skipped past a defender but was denied by Chafer. Chafer then was quick off of his line to deny the tricky winger before holding Salmon's lobbed shot under his crossbar.

Canvey continued in a similar vein in the second half and increased their lead on 53 minutes. Hubble's right wing free kick was headed back into the path of Ronto who waited for the ball to come down before smashing the ball emphatically past Chafer.

Chafer made another magnificent save 5 minutes later diving full length to push away Hubble's header after he got on the end of Jey Siva's left wing cross. Hubble turned provider on 60 minutes, finding Elliott Johnson making his debut in defence for Canvey with a good free kick. The former Barnet player headed back across goal but was unable to find a team mate to turn the ball home.

Chafer made an impressive double save on 63 minutes keeping out Salmon's long range shot then blocking up Ronto's follow up from a tight angle.

After this the game quietened down with Canvey happy to protect their lead. Heybridge finally threatened on 84 minutes when Lionel Ainsworth's curling free kick from the edge of the penalty area saw Bobby Mason leap to his left and push the ball away to safety.

Gulls though could have scored a third in the last few minutes when Hubble's shot from the edge of the penalty area was pushed up into the air by Chafer and then helped over the crossbar at the second attempt.

It was a comfortable victory for Canvey who were rarely troubled by a Heybridge side managed by former Canvey player and manager Steve Tilson. Gulls will now go into a tough encounter against Aveley next Saturday with a much needed confidence boost.

Photo: KJA Sports Image