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Two - Nil to the Canvey Boys Canvey went through to the next round of the FA Cup this afternoon in an exciting and entertaining game at the home of Dr Martens Western League side, Halesowen Town. Talking in the bar before the game to some of the locals (through an interpreter) it was clear that Canvey was one of the teams that the midlanders did not want to meet. Canvey's cup exploits from last season made them the favourites for this game, but they still showed the home team a lot of respect - and rightly so. Halesowen are unbeaten in their last eleven games and haven't conceded a goal since 27th August. They have a talented side and they know how to play football. But I think the difference between Ryman Premier and Dr Martens Western League became clearer and clearer as the game went on. I did hear from one of the locals, "I would think the Dr Martens is a lot stronger in general than the Rymans." but personally, I can't see it. And results in previous encounters with Dr Martens sides would seem to back me up on this. In any event, the Ryman Premier side was always in control and their superiority was evident - they were never going to lose this game. In fact, they should have won by a much greater scoreline and several of the missed chances fell to the unlucky Paul Cobb. At the back, Canvey were tight and they closed down Halesowen attackers quickly, so much so that very little passed the back four. The balls that did pass usually came in the form of a break down the right and a long cross over to the left. In the first half this route was quite successful, but it was Halesowen's only tactic and eventually the hole was plugged. No. 11 Les Hines looked particularly good for the home team up front and, apart from overzealous use of his elbows, No. 5 Lee Collins looked strong at the back. But although Halesowen looked talented in the middle of the park, they had very little to offer in the danger area and Ashley Harrison had few saves to make. They did have a spell half an hour into the game when they got a grip on things, but they didn't really know how to take advantage of the possession they had. The first real shot of the game came on 35 minutes when Andy Jones (no, not that one, his namesake who plays for Halesowen) turned in a cross from the right, but he was just wide. Within a minute, Paul Cobb got in the second real shot of the game, but this time it went in. It was a cheeky ball that he clipped just over the stretched hand of goalkeeper Tim Clarke. Although several defenders went after the ball, nobody could actually clear it and it ended up in the back of the net. In terms of possession the first half went to Canvey, just. But the real difference was what they did with the ball when they had it. Canvey were playing below par, but they still managed to look menacing and likely to score. Halesowen were playing out of their skins, but it was becoming more and more obvious that this would not be enough. The second half started with more of the same, although Canvey gradually grew stronger and stronger and Clarke was tested on several occasions. Paul Cobb might have added to his tally, but some of his finishing was less than perfect. JK put him through on 56 minutes but he shot wide and two minutes later Adam Miller set him up but the keeper was quick off his line and blocked the shot with his shins. Halesowen did have a good chance cleared off the line by the ever dependable Steve Ward following another long cross coming over from the right. Ross Collins was looking talented for the home team but after a few narrow misses from Ben Chenery and John Kennedy, it was Adam Miller who put the game beyond doubt. His goal was made by a superb run by Chris Duffy. On 76 minutes he picked up a loose ball deep in his own half and ran for almost 50yds with the ball at his feet, nobody from the home defence managing to get close enough to stop him. Just as he was going into the opponents penalty area Adam Miller ran into the hole in the middle and Duffers sent through an inch-perfect pass that Millsy hammered home from 12yds. The result was well deserved but Halesowen put up a spirited performance and never gave up. Their ground is compact and full of atmosphere and the club house is one of the best that yours truly has visited in a long while. All in all a good day out. Now, for the time being at least, back to the league and the visit of Maidenhead on Tuesday. Match
Report by Merv Teams
Weather Conditions: Bright, warm and dry. What did you think of
today's match?
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