Canvey Island 2–1 Wingate & Finchley

From the Frost Financial Stadium

Ryman Premier League

 

A CONOR Gough inspired ten-man Canvey Island to five wins in a row as they defeated Wingate & Finchley to move into the play-offs.

Martin Tuohy deserves the plaudits for scoring both goals, having suffered a personal loss in the build-up to the match, but he didn’t let that hold him back on the football pitch as he scored a terrific brace.

But Gough was tremendous between the posts, making a string of fine saves to keep the points on the Island, after Richard Halle had been sent off.

Gulls manager Danny Heale handed Tony Stokes his debut and he came closest to opening the scoring, as he headed Ashley Dumas’ header wide of the upright.

But then Tuohy took over, as he blasted into the corner midway through the first half.

The second half started in the worst possible way for Canvey, when captain Halle committed a foul as the last man and was given his marching orders.

But Gough came into his own in goal, making a number of fine saves to keep the lead intact.

And the Gulls took advantage against the run of play thanks to Tuohy, striking home a delightful effort from outside the box.

Wingate had a number of late chances but Gough was a formidable barrier in goal.

Ten minutes of injury time was signaled after an injury to Ozzy Adeniji, with Ahmet Rifat scoring five minutes into the added period to make it a nervy finale.

And Gough proved his worth once again to make a remarkable save and ensure yet another win.

 

Canvey Island: Gough, Pitty, Dumas, Miller-Rodney, Halle, Yiga, Adeniji (Agyakwa), Poole, Chatting, Tuohy, Stokes (Warren)