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Canvey Now Runners Up Three points against Carshalton gave Canvey the runners-up position in the Ryman Premier League tonight and although this is a fantastic achievement for the club in only its second year in the top flight, the fixture backlog nonsense has still left a nasty taste in the mouth and many regrets of what might have been. It would have been nice for the club to achieve the runners-up status in an atmosphere of jamboree and general celebration. The end of season run-in should have set the island alight. Instead, a dismally small crowd of regulars stood almost quietly at Park Lane and watched the mostly one-sided three - two victory unfold before them. It wasn't especially gripping stuff, but it was another three magical points for Canvey and a demonstration from the visitors that they may be down, but they are not entirely without pride. They played better than their league position would suggest for much of the game and it was they who opened the scoring after just 8 minutes when a misunderstanding of a back-pass between Steve Ward and Ashley Harrison left a gap for Jamie Pace to squeeze in and score. This goal was much against the run of play as this was the first time Carshalton had been in the Canvey half. Canvey got onto the scoresheet thanks to an Andy Jones penalty. Steve Parmenter sent in a very powerful shot that hit the crossbar and rebounded out. A defender handled it and the referee had no doubt in awarding a spot kick. Jonah hit the ball hard and wide of the 'keeper and it was back to even-stevens. Canvey's next goal was something of a mistake by the young (and talented) 'keeper Paul Borg. He passed a simple ball out of his penalty area but didn't give it enough weight. Adam Miller saw a chance and nipped in quick to steal the ball and bury it in the back of the net. It was a superb goal and just reward for all the hard work that Adam has put in over the past week or so. Again tonight he gave 110% and thoroughly deserves his place in the team. Chris Duffy grabbed the third goal and it was a good one. He was put through by a good knock forward and he picked the ball up well 10yds in front of goal and hit it over the top of the advancing 'keeper. The goal, and the several near misses just before it. were all the result of Carshalton going to sleep at the back. They just weren't sharp enough and this could well be the reason for their poor and inconsistent performances over the season that sees them heading for Ryman Division One next season. Matt Fowler broke through the Canvey defence on 50 minutes and for a while there was a danger that Carshalton might get back into the game. One more Canvey goal might have taken the game completely beyond their grasp but in spite of many attempts and near misses, they couldn't find one. The rest of the game was rather more one-sided, but no more goals. The lack of goals was due in part to a tired Canvey squad but more to a superb performance by Carshalton 'Man of the Match' Paul Borg, the goalkeeper. He pulled off some magical saves and his team mates should certainly thank him for keeping the scoreline down to such a respectable level. It's all back to Park Lane tomorrow night to finish off the debacle of the fixture backlog from hell. Fans won't get too excited about it but are happy to accept the runners-up position and focus their attentions to the really big game at Villa Park in just over a week's time. Full Match Report by Merv to Follow Teams Canvey - Ashley
Harrison, John Kennedy, Chris Duffy, Craig Davidson,
Mick
Bodley, Steve
Ward, Adam
Miller, Adam
Tanner, Steve
Clark, Andy
Jones, Steve
Parmenter, Subs: Micky
Bennett, Steve
Tilson, Wayne
Vaughan. Weather Conditions: Dry, mild evening. Pitch heavy but mainly dry. What did you think of
today's match?
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