A (towards the) top of the table clash at Clarence Park today which would make Match Of The Day, firstly if it was still on television, and secondly if we were in the Barclaycard Premiership. This could be a classic today. Canvey and City are in 5th and 6th spots in the League with 16 points, separated by goal difference, 2 points behind League leaders Aldershot. Championship
favourites, The Islanders' goal difference was certainly assisted by their 7-0 thrashing of Heybridge midweek.
For today, The Dynamic Duo of Roberts and Cook selected Wilmot in goal; 3 at the back:Evans, Brown (C), and Moran; 5 in the midfield: Wraight, Fenton, Hyatt, Rattle and Smith; and up front: Martin and Nabil. On the bench were Metcalf, Bignal and Honeyball. In the stand were Ansell and Campbell, both injured, and Ferguson.
For the second consecutive game, City scored inside 2 minutes. A long throw-in from Hyatt on the left found Wraight in the box who hit an unstoppable volley from 15 yards. Super goal. 1-0. Canvey were unfazed by the set-back and had the better of the next 10 minutes or so. The equaliser came when a crisp shot from the impressive Tolson from outside the area on the right beat the keeper. 1-1. There were several 'turning-points' in this game,the first coming shortly after the goal when Nabil, who has been impresssive for City over the last few games, aggravated a niggly ankle injury and was replaced by Bignal. The Islanders were having the better of the midfield exchanges and took the lead on the half-hour when The Saints were unable to clear their lines and the Canvey striker scored from close range. 1-2. The next turning point came when Wraight was shown an immediate red card for foul and abusive language, having just been denied a free-kick in the Canvey half and conceding one in his own. On the stroke of half time Bignal injured his ankle badly and was to be replaced for the second half by Metcalf. H.T. 1-2.
City started the second half well, competing from the whistle and had the best of the next 15 minutes. They desperately needed an equaliser in this period but it did not come. Rather, against the run of play, Canvey extended their lead on the hour when a low cross from the right eluded Wilmot and was tapped in from close range. 1-3. With the extra man, Canvey took control for the next 10 minutes and the Saints defence was under siege. Honeyball came on for Smith. I can't remember how they scored their 4th goal but I certainly can remember Fenton's consolation goal for City on the 90th minute as he volleyed a high looping shot over the visitors keeper from 35 yards. F.T. 2-4.
Canvey are a very good side, a yard faster than any that we have seen this season. The ex-pro Stimpson was very impressive today and they have fire-power. City did well towards the end of the first half and through the second but 10 men and a lot of heart were not enough particularly with the changes forced upon the managers by the injuries up front. The official attendance was 499 with some 120 or so making the trip from Essex. The Safeway MotM was Moran although for me it was Brown or perhaps Hyatt.
Entertainment 7/10. Atmosphere 5/10. Technical Merit 6/10. Referee 6/10.
Next up. Two away games around the M25. To Essex on Monday evening to play high-flying Purfleet and then next Saturday, to Kent to play high-flying Gravesend & Northfleet. Let them worry about us.
Report by Homer |
