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MATCH OF THE DAY - PERHAPS There were many people in the packed Park Lane crowd who, realistically and being honest with themselves, wondered whether Canvey's bubble was about to burst. The run of 21 games undefeated might be about to come to an end against a team 45 places above them in the football pyramid. Amateur part-timers against full-time professionals. Yes it had been done before but could it happen for a third time? After 48 minutes play Neil Gregory provided the answer.
Canvey have a history of doing well against teams from the higher divisions. However, it is wrong for the Yellow Army to keep living in the past and talking about that famous Tuesday night at Vale Park just over a year ago when Port Vale were kicked out of the cup by 'The Pub Team From Essex'. But a more recent win at Wigan's JJB stadium rekindled the fans imagination and proved to everyone that last term's results had been no fluke. But what about dispatching Northampton in the same way? As the run up to the big game got under way, a confidence began to build up in the Canvey camp, so much so that come the day there was almost an expectancy from several of the players I spoke to that Canvey would win. Northampton are having a difficult time of things in Division 2, being just 24th from top! The club has financial problems and the enthusiasm from the fans seems to be so meager and/or disinterested that only 350 tickets were sold for the Canvey game. The discussion board had some postings from Northampton fans, but not too many and the majority of those suggested that their team was not terribly optimistic about the game. So we all squeezed into the Lane, regulars and 'Big Match Only' visitors stood cheek by jowl and the atmosphere was buzzing. The BBC and AXA logo was everywhere and had the bar been open early it would have been perfect. The game got underway and fans waited anxiously for any early signs of how things would go. In fact, things went well for the islanders and for the first 15 minutes it was even-stevens. The biggest fear of all, that the non-leaguers would be humiliated, was not going to materialise. The second period of the first half did not go Canvey's way and although they did enough to stay in the game, the truth is that it was Northampton making almost all the serious play. But still no humiliation unless, of course, you count the way that the BBC Pundits Messrs Hanson and Lawrenson showed themselves up on national TV as a pair of footballing snobs who have forgotten all about the game that is played at grass roots level. A certain amount of Premiership In-Breeding has obviously clouded their thoughts and their attempts to belittle the Ryman team (and the pitch) only served to show how shallow their football thinking is. They didn't perhaps realise that Canvey's undersoil heating isn't working at the moment but the permanent groundstaff of some 25 blokes are will spend this week putting it right - not! A blow by blow match report doesn't seem totally appropriate as 5 million of you saw the action in the comfort of your armchairs, as it unfolded. What the cameras didn't pick up too clearly however, was the way that Marco Gabbiadini flung himself to the floor in feigned agony every time a Canvey player challenged him. Paul Taylor, the referee, seemed totally taken in by his acting skills which, on the day, far outshone his footballing skills. He wasn't beyond putting it about a bit either and although he received one yellow card the truth is he was extremely fortunate not to receive a second. Undoubted Man of the Match has to be Peter Smith. What a great game he had. Nice to see the Ginger Sex God make his comeback, even if only for the last five minutes of the game. Well actually it was the last 10 minutes of the game as the fourth official decided he was enjoying things so much, he added an unexpected and unjustified five minutes of extra time. But so what. Canvey came out as winners and, all things taken into consideration, were the better team on the day (with the exception of the second part of the first half). Next stop, Burnley. Hang on though. Isn't this where we came in? Amateur part-timers against full-time professionals. Yes it has been done before but can it happen for a fourth time? I for one certainly won't be writing Canvey's chances off. Quote of the day from one of the Yellow Army rather gorgeous 'dolly birds' as Peter Smith was leaving the ground - "Hey Buzz. Have you still got Gabbiadini in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me???"
Match
Report by Merv. Photos by Ian.
Match of the Day The game was covered live by the BBC Match of the Day team - Mark lawrenson (left) and Alan Hansen presented the show from a temporary studio at the sea wall end. These photos are copyrighted - if you would like a copy, please call 0845 345 8888 Teams
Weather Conditions: Cold but dry and bright. What did you think of
today's match?
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