Saturday 22nd August 1998

Canvey Island 0 - 4 Maidenhead Utd

After an exciting and successful start to the new season, even if they were only friendly matches, Canvey fans were looking forward to the usual feast of goals and excitement at Park Lane on Saturday. What they got was more of a shock after ten minutes when Brian Horne limped off the field with what seemed to be either a muscle or tendon injury in his leg, giving his goalkeeping jersey (and what must be the biggest pair of 'keepers gloves in the whole football league) to mid-field man Steve Tilson.

To lose a reliable goalkeeper AND a creative mid-field player was a double blow to Canvey and they never really looked as if they would manage to climb the enormous mountain before them. However, the scoreline of 4-0 was just a bit flattering to Maidstone and even more embarrassing for Steve Porter who put one of them into his own net.

Perhaps the biggest bloomer of the day belonged to Jeff King. He had Mickey Desborough, last season's regular goalkeeper, sitting next to him in the dug-out, but couldn't use him as, for some reason known only to Jeff, he didn't include him as a substitute in the official team. Although Desborough might have had little chance with Maidenhead's shots, having Tilson on the field I doubt if those shots would ever have materialised. Chris Blakeborough, who came on for Tilson, never managed to put the real strength into the mid-field that it desperately needed.

In truth, Maidenhead only had three real shots on target but they scored with all three. Their attack never took real advantage of the situation, but on the other hand, with a lack of any real flair behind them, Canvey's attack never looked like an outfit that put away 116 league goals last season. It was 75 minutes into the match when Andy Jones came on in place of Chris Blakeborough and immediately put some fire into a dull forward line.

Maidenhead finished only one point off promotion from Division 1 last season and certainly looked to be a professional outfit. Their defence was superb and every player knew exactly what was expected of him and what support would be on hand from those around him. Simon Liddle was man marked and could find little room to demonstrate his usual flair. Paul Williams rarely showed his real ability and Alan Brett, always a fighter for the ball, couldn't really get a grip on things.

One fan was heard to say, "Oh no! It's the '96-97 season all over again." I think he was wrong. A disappointing start yes, but with Steve Ward due back from holiday soon (Another teacher. 51 weeks holiday a year!), Steve Tilson back in his usual position and either Horne or Desborough in goal Canvey have the resources to do well this year. This was confirmed by the positive contribution of newcomers Jeff Brazier and Gary Kimble at the back and Scott Lindsey out on the left wing.

Match report by Merv.