GAME  OF  TWO  HALVES

After the disappointment of Saturday's defeat at home to Farnborough, the fans who travelled to St Albans tonight were hoping for a much better game of football. And for the opening 15 minutes, that's exactly what they got. Canvey opened the game with a good blend of skill, ball control and tactical know-how. They passed the ball well, used the space effectively and showed lots of promise.

Jeff King had made several changes from last Saturday and the whole team had a nice 'feel' about it.  It was good to see Wayne Vaughan in the starting line-up and with fellow new-boy John Kennedy, the strike force appeared to be full of potential. 

There were no real shots from either side until the 11th minute, but the game was entertaining none the less.  It was Sammy Cooper who came busting through with a shot that was only a few millimetres wide. A few minutes later and it was Wayne Vaughan who was through, but on this occasion, although he rounded goalkeeper well, the angle was just too steep and the chance was lost.

So far, St Albans had been forced to stand back and admire Canvey's creative play, but gradually they hoisted themselves back into the game. They became more purposeful and more powerful. They started to explore the space left by Canvey at the back and No. 11 Spencer Knight in particular seemed to be enjoying himself out on the flank. Where Canvey had been in control, the home team moved into the driving seat. When Gary Ansel put them into the lead with a magnificent header on 21 minutes, the home fans were delighted and believed that they were about to see a significant home win.

As the first half went on, the Canvey fans were beginning to agree with their opponents. Slowly, Canvey lost their control of the game and attacks on Laurence Batty's goal were getting fewer and fewer. At the other end, however, shots were coming in from almost everywhere and it was thanks largely to Ashley Harrison's skills in goal, especially in direct saves, that the score stayed at one - nil. 

Canvey's best chance of the half came when Wayne Vaughan hit a 22yd free kick that hammered into the upright and then bounced to safety. There were other chances, but Canvey found themselves up against not only a well drilled defence, but a very indifferent referee. On the whole, St Albans deserved their first half lead, but even Ray Cross in a philosophical mood was heard to comment, "It's a game of two halves!"

The fans will never know what Jeff King said to his team during the intermission, they were too busy tucking into their ice creams (it was that sort of evening!) but whatever it was, it had the effect of waking them up from their doldrums and they came out straight onto the offensive. With a new vigour and sense of purpose, some very good moves were put together and Batty certainly had more work to do.

On 49 minutes a whole battery of shots were sent in, none of them too threatening, but nevertheless, none of them cleared successfully. Eventually, the ball fell to Chris Duffy who hit it powerfully into the back of the net. Canvey were back on level terms.  A good goal from Duffers and an important turning point in the game.

The goal certainly lifted the fans and the players too sensed that they could go even further. But St Albans were not giving up the struggle. With the scores level, one of the teams had to take the initiative - and it was to be Canvey. They got their act together and once again looked dangerous. They took more control of the game, even if they didn't have it all their own way.

Then came a superb goal from ex-Albans man Steve Clark who gave the visitors a well deserved lead just on the hour. St Albans were still arguing about a foul just inside the Canvey half when Canvey broke away and some beautiful play between Duffy and Vaughan eventually set the ball up for Clark who put his new team into the lead.

The standard of football was now high with both teams looking dangerous on the break. One St Albans' break was thwarted by Harrison when he came out to catch a very high ball into the area. Unfortunately he came too far and was judged to have handled the ball outside of the box.  Referee Alex Valentino had no hesitation in booking poor Ashley - a rather harsh decision in my opinion - but the resulting free-kick was, fortunately, quite harmless.

The goal of the game came on 77 minutes when Steve Clark sent in an opportunistic lob from 35 yds. Most of the spectators, including Batty, thought it would end up in the trees but it took a sudden dive and ended up in the back of the net. Canvey now found themselves 3 - 1 up and the home fans suddenly went very quiet.

And so it continued… Both teams looking dangerous in the middle of the field, but only one doing the business if front of goal.  It was the turn of substitute Andy Jones to score number four. He collected a long through ball and beat his defender, went past him and then rounded the keeper to take the game far out of the reach of a dejected St Albans.

This was a good performance by Canvey, even if there was a 20 minute spell in the first half when they looked to be outplayed. This team, especially the new signings, has lots of potential and once the obvious individual skills are blended into a cohesive unit, a process that may take a few weeks, this could be a very successful season.

Match Report by Merv. Pictures by Ian.

Weather Conditions: Warm dry evening.

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