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10.02.2004 @ 19:45 The Recreation Ground |
Crowd: 722
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Grays Athletic
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1 - 1
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Canvey Island
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Referee: S Beck (Shoeburyness)
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Isthmian League - Premier Division-Match
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Honours even in big clash
Canvey’s runaway roller coaster was slowed slightly – but not derailed – by old rivals Grays at The Rec on Tuesday.
The Ryman League’s hottest midweek ticket lived up to it’s billing, producing plenty of end-to-end action and showcasing the talents of Grays new boy Wes Daly and old hand Freddy Eastwood against the league’s top squad. 722 turned out to watch!
Grays boss Mark Stimson fielded his strongest team for the crucial local derby but in the end honours were shared.
Blues drew first blood too when 19-year-old Eastwood drove in a grass cutting diagonal which Martin Carthy stubbed under the crossbar, only for Leroy Griffiths to knock in the rebound in the 27th.
Canvey were slower starting, but soon threatened thanks to Ollie Berquez’s runs and flashed of ball brilliance from Junior McDougald.
The equaliser came in the 35th from a truly horrendous defensive blunder which left Blues fans jaw gaping. Canvey defender Ben Chenery’s free kick from within dugout-spitting distance arced into the Grays penalty area.
An unmarked Eddie Youds met it with his head, but his glancing header ruffled his own netting. Keeper Mel Capleton – who had not made a call – was unsighted. Blues had squandered their advantage at a psychologically critical time.
In the second half both teams enjoyed and endured periods of pressure. Half chances fell to Kevin Dobinson and Neil Midgely for Canvey. But Canvey were unable to convert threats into action. Grays had more of the attacks but Griffiths and talented QPR loanee Daly too often fell foul of the Canvey back four and their offside trap.
When the final whistle went honours were shared and both sets of supports got their money’s worth. It was a fast, furious and skilful game which was played without malice or temper-tantrums.
Afterwards, Canvey boss Jeff Kind said: “It was always going to be a tough game and they were really up for it – throwing in lots of long balls and chasing everything. Just because we are a long way ahead in the league doesn’t mean to say we are coasting. We want to win every game we play. Tonight’s game gave us the chance to field some extra players and that was good.â€
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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