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CANVEY'S FIRST DOUBLE Top Field has never been a happy hunting ground for Canvey Island, but today The Gulls turned tradition round by securing their first double of the season and coming home with all three points as a New Year's present for the fans. But it wasn't just the result that pleased the travelling Yellow Army, it was the manner in which it was achieved. This was a true team performance. Ann Robinson would have been disappointed in that there was no weakest link. Yesterday the Hitchin internet site sent out an appeal for volunteers to go down to the ground early on Saturday morning to try and sweep surface water away. The groundsmen have to be congratulated because although the playing surface was very heavy and it cut up as play went on, it was much better than fans might have expected. As it happened, I guess they wish they hadn't bothered. The game got off to a cracking pace and it was good to see Chris Duffy keeping up with play and looking to be fast approaching match fitness, following his recent injury and surgery. But it was Hitchin who got off the starting blocks first when, on just 6 minutes, No. 10 Matt Nolan took advantage of an error by Gavin Cowan out on the left to gain possession, go past him before cutting in and putting an easy ball past Ashley Harrison. But nobody was truly worried as there was plenty of time left and, thus far, Canvey had looked sharp and keen. Surely it would only be a matter of time before they too got onto the scoresheet. The only worry that Canvey fans had was that with the now customary 'three at the back' - a set up that has cost them a fistful of sloppy of goals so far this season - it was proving too easy for Hitchin to go through and find some space. Talented players like Nolan and No. 10 Carl Drew were able to run at the back three and on too many occasions they found gaps. But at the other end Canvey can consider themselves very unlucky that they couldn't find the net. Lee Boylan got in a superb header on 10 minutes from a Lee Protheroe cross and Neil Gregory sent is some testing shots for James Robinson to demonstrate his considerable talent. But it was the combination of Boylan and Gregory that would eventually put not just one, but two goals past Robinson. The first came on the stroke of the half-hour when Boylan once again got onto the end of a superb Protheroe cross. On this occasion his header, although powerful, could only smash off the crossbar. So powerful was the shot that the ball rebounded out to the edge of the penalty area where Greggers was well placed to hammer home from 18 yds. The second deadly combination of Gregory/Boylan was just four minutes away. This time the roles were reversed and it was the turn of Greggers to set one up for Boylan. On this occasion the cross came from Chris Duffy out on the left. His long ball found Gregory who connected out to the right of the 6yd box and sent the ball back into the direct path of Boylan who was steaming in. He made no mistake and put Canvey into a well deserved lead. But it was down to another slip-up at the back (this time literally - Wardy lost his footing in the mud) that allowed Carl Drew in from the left to score Hitchin's equaliser after something of a goalmouth scramble. This was only Hitchin's second on-target shot of the game but that's the way things sometimes go. For all their industry in front of Robinson's goal, Canvey were still only on level terms. Half time Hitchin 2 Canvey 2 Although there weren't as many goals in the second half, there was just as much excitement in front of the home goalmouth. Lee Protheroe came close on at least four occasions, plus his free-kick that Robinson could only smother to safety. Neil Gregory must still be asking himself how he didn't convert Boylan's 58th minute cross - just the keeper to beat from 4yds - and Lee Boylan caused the home defence so many headaches they will be taking Ibuprofen for at least the next seven days. Jeff Minton was so impressive all afternoon. He kept popping up everywhere and, as always, he was so strong on the ball. He won everything and refused to let anything get away from him. Although he was guilty on one or two occasions of releasing the ball too late, perhaps some of the players around him need to ask why they can't break into space just a bit quicker. On 73 minutes Chris Duffy, who looked quite exhausted, was replaced by Ollie Berquez. But it was a good come-back performance by Duffers and we look forward to his complete recovery when normal service from the left flank will be resumed. Quite ironic, however, that it was none of the foregoing who snatched the winner for Canvey. It was Hitchin defender Mark Burke who, hassled by Boylan (yet again), confused his own 'keeper with an indecisive backpass that rolled gently, but accurately, into the far corner of the net. An own-goal that proved to be the difference between the two sides, at least as far as the goalsheet is concerned. Own-goals often suggest a certain degree of luck, but today nothing could be further from the truth. Although it was fortunate that Burke put past his own 'keeper, Robinson had so many let-offs throughout the afternoon that he would be extremely foolish if he didn't buy a lottery ticket tonight. One truth of the afternoon is that Canvey were much the better side, especially throughout the second half and, had the rub of the green been on their side for at least some of the time, they would have emerged with a lead of at least three goals. Another truth is that the level of refereeing in the Ryman Premier this season needs some very close examination. Minton's booking was a nonsense (he was obviously fouled as he ran into the Hitchin danger area on 20 minutes but the referee, just 3yds away, refused to blow. Then he booked Minton a minute later when he complained about the decision); why did he add on 7 minutes of extra time at the end of the game when 3-4 minutes would have been generous and, finally before I get off my soap-box, is the off-side rule now too complicated for either referees or their assistants to handle? Three points in the bag. Another three on New Year's day? We shall see. Match Report by Merv Teams
Weather Conditions: Mild and dry but a very heavy pitch. What did you think of
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