But the Canvey we all know and love never play two games the same. Look back over this season so far and my point is made. The Canvey we saw today were terrific – in every department. The only player who didn’t shine was Glenn Ballard in goal, and that’s nothing to do with his obvious ability, but because he didn’t have anything to do. His defence was well marshalled and never gave anything away. Gary Kimble had a superb game, linking well with the front runners on his overlapping runs and distributing some telling passes.
Paul Donovan had such a good game
It was especially pleasing for Canvey because they were without Simon Liddle, Andy Sussex and Steve Porter – all nursing injuries. Add to this the fact that Andy Jones took a knock in training on Thursday and played, in spite of not being 100% fit (He was substituted by Jeff Brazier on 56 minutes). The Canvey fans were anxious about Ports not playing – he adds confidence to the back four – and wondered if his replacement, Gary Britnell, would manage the whole 90 minutes. What Britts lacked in stamina he more than made up for with his experience and courage.
From the kick off, Canvey were looking for a win. Although Finchley hit the Canvey crossbar in the first minute, that was a close as they were to get. On 11 minutes Jonah ran through to pick up a long ball and beat two defenders before putting in an inch perfect pass to Jamie Reilley who was able to side-kick the ball into an empty net. Just to prove it wasn’t a fluke, Canvey went two up 75 seconds later. Jonah was involved again, out on the right where he played some great one-two stuff with Williams. The cross came to Reilley who mis-hit, allowing the ball to run on into the path of Steve Tilson. He made no mistake and sent the ball screeching into the net from 18yds.
Canvey raided the Finchley goal time after time, sometimes it was Jonah who came close, other times it was Alan Brett or Paul Williams. Michael Kalli in the Finchley goal was very quick off his line and, playing almost as a sweeper, saved his team time after time.
The most crucial goal of the game came one minute into the second half. Finchley came out from the break hopeful that they could pull one back to at least put them in with a chance. But it was not to be. Following a foul on Alan Brett, Tilly took a free kick some 20yds out on the right hand side. Willow was ready to pounce, so was Bretty, so was Jonah. But their help was not needed. The ball eluded everybody, including the ‘keeper, and landed directly into the net.
Finchley began to get a bit desperate and the referee was guilty of some inconsistency. Some tackles he let go, others he penalised. His worst decision was when he booked Paul Donovan for going for a 50/50 ball with Myers. Nobody could understand what the booking was for, least of all Donners. It was No 4 (Barry Greenstreet) who got away with blue murder, using brute force as a substitute for skill as he was given the run around time after time.
On the hour Steve Ward (still a goal-virgin) broke through after picking up a poor Finchley clearance. He played some good one – two with Jamie Reilley and found himself in a good shooting position just inside the penalty area. The ball ended up on the edge of the 6yd box with Willow. It took him two attempts to control the ball and tee up his shot, but when he did he made no mistake and it was Canvey 4, Wingate & Finchley Nil.
Gary Kimble went off after 76 minutes and was replaced by Danny O’Shea and 10 before time Gary Martin came on for Jamie Reilley who had taken a knock from Greenstreet.
Just to round things off, Alan Brett scored a lovely goal some ten minutes before time. He picked up a ball in midfield and decided to have a run on his own. He came through to the 18yd box and, spotting the ‘keeper off his line, played a beautiful chip over his head and into the empty net.
A great result, a great performance. The Canvey fans were very happy and sang all afternoon, giving the team a real boost. How nice it was to see the players acknowledge the fans support.