CANVEY THROUGH - BUT FAIL TO IMPRESS

The beauty of a magical cup run, like the one Canvey are enjoying at the moment, is that it raises the profile of the club and new fans are attracted.  Anybody who saw either of the two Port Vale games couldn't fail to be impressed.  But if they came along to Park Lane tonight expecting more of the same, they would have been sadly disappointed.  Gone was the sparkle, the drive and the magic.

Just like the first encounter between the two clubs on Saturday, this was a game that Canvey, with all their skill, talent and ambition, should have won easily.  Instead they found the division one club to be tenacious and industrious.  In short, Canvey had their work cut out.

Of course it could be that Canvey had their minds on something else.  Perhaps their bodies were at Park Lane, but their minds were at Roots Hall.  Who could blame them?  Over the past few weeks the players have given heart and soul - and then a bit more.  The atmosphere at Park Lane and on the island in general, has been tremendous, and all because of this superb squad and all they have achieved. 

But you're only as good as your last game and at the end of 90 minutes, only one thing really counts.  Who scored the most goals.  Who would want to trade a good performance for a place in the next round?

From Harlow's point of view, this was their big opportunity.  This time they had the chance to be the giant killers, and they were certainly up for it.  They gave as good as they got in every department and only failed by the narrowest of margins.  Marvin Samuel was particularly impressive in defence and up front Andy Purcell was always a danger man.

The first real chance of the game came on 25 minutes and it fell to Harlow.  Fortunately, Ashley Harrison was on top form again and the day was saved.  Canvey had to wait another ten minutes before they can claim their first genuine near miss and this was the result of a beautiful cross by John Kennedy into Sammy Cooper, but the shot was just wide.

Just like Saturday's game, some poor finishing let Canvey down.  Half chances that would normally be converted, were going high.  Crosses that would normally come over into the danger area were ending up over the sea wall.  Partly the run of the ball, partly a lack of finishing power.  Either way, the first half finished with no goals and little real excitement.

The second half started in a rather different vein.  As in recent games, Jeff's secret recipe for the half-time tea gave the players the extra lift they needed.  They suddenly came to life and crosses and through balls were coming a-plenty.

It was a glorious run by Craig Davidson that resulted in a dangerous cross into the 6yd box on 46 minutes, but it was half cleared and appeared to be going to safety.  Davidson, however, came back again to fight for the ball and send in a second, even more dangerous looking cross.  Pity defender Dave Drury who made contact with the ball, tried to clear, but scuffed the ball into his own net to give Canvey a one-nil lead.

From this point, the Gulls stepped their game up a notch and when they played the ball to feet they looked extremely effective.  However, the increase in Canvey's play was matched by Harlow and we had a spell of good end to end football with both keepers earning their wages.  Having said that, Julian Roberts who was Harlow's Man of the Match on Saturday, looked decidedly unsettled in the visitors goal.  His handling was always suspect and his kicking a joke.

But still Canvey couldn't get into a position where they might dominate the play.  Lots of good touches, but no real commitment.  Nothing that might make a Southend supporter fearful for Sunday.  

The second goal came from a Tilson free kick taken almost on the touch-line at least 30yds from goal.  The ball came lobbing over, hit a wet patch, skidded and went past the entire defence and into the net.  It was good to be two goals in the lead and Harlow might consider themselves just a bit unlucky to be on the receiving end of two rather unorthodox goals.

But unorthodox or fabulous, they all count.  If you get more of them than the opposition you get to go through to next round of the Trophy.  

But before that, there is the Southend game next Sunday.  This may not have been Canvey's greatest performance of all time, but we can now all concentrate on Sunday.  We can speculate, argue and dream about the big one.  Who knows what will happen.  Will lightning strike twice?  We shall see.

Match Report by Merv.

Weather Conditions: Dry evening on a very heavy pitch

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