Canvey Island 1-0 Romford

(Sykes 50’ (p))

From the Frost Hire Stadium

Isthmian North

A GEORGE Sykes penalty was enough for Canvey Island to continue their upward trend and move into the Isthmian North play-off positions.

The Gulls were firm favourites against struggling Romford but proved difficult to break down.

In the end, Sykes’ penalty five minutes into the second-half proved enough.

Ryan Charles was not far away from forcing the opener, although a cross to the far post just evaded him.

But Canvey were very much the team on top in the first 20 minutes.

The breakthrough almost came on 16 minutes when the on-form Mitch Gilbey picked up possession but his 20-yard strike cannoned off the crossbar.

Michael Gooch had to be at his best to tip a Sykes shot over the bar, and the best of Ashlee Jones – returning in the home goal in place of the suspended George Newcombe and injured Conor Gough – was to come.

A mistake by Ashley Dumas resulted in Connor Hammond being given a run on goal, but Jones was equal to the shot.

Romford were growing into the clash – Ayodeji Olukoga’s long range effort not far past the top corner.

And they should have led at half-time. Slip-ups from Dumas and Steve Sheehan allowed Craig Jeakins a run on goal but, one-on-one, he slid his shot past the post.

And Canvey took advantage. Five minutes into the second-half, Charles was fouled in the box and Sykes netted from the spot despite the best efforts of the away goalkeeper.

But the second-half was largely devoid of chances, as Canvey survived eight minutes of injury-time to secure the points.

Canvey Island: Jones, Pitty, Dumas, Craddock (Cole 61’), Sheehan, Warren, Merrifield, Collins (Norman 61’), Sykes, Gilbey, Charles (Nesbitt 77’)