Canvey Island 0-3 Soham Town Rangers

(Russell 14’, 81’ (p), Kaye 28’)

From the Frost Hire Stadium

Isthmian North

CANVEY Island were emphatically beaten by Soham Town Rangers as their struggles against the Isthmian North’s lower-placed sides continues.

Gulls chief Danny Heale had labelled the match as ‘the most important of the season’ and the hosts took the early initiative.

Sam Collins struck an early strike inches wide of the left hand post with the home side dominating possession.

But, against the run of play, Soham went ahead. Joe Carden’s right wing cross was flicked to the far post and Callum Russell was on hand to tap into the net from on the goal-line.

Canvey needed something to spur them into life, but that goal wasn’t it. Soham were to double their lead just before the half hour and it was an entirely avoidable goal.

A long throw was allowed to bounce in the penalty area and Jonathan Kaye headed on the run beyond a despairing Jack Giddens.

Carden’s was denied a second by a superb Steve Sheehan block as the Gulls looked in vain for a breakthrough.

Mitch Gilbey stung the gloves of Josh Pope, with Frankie Merrifield off target not long after but that was the best the hosts could muster in a forgettable first 45 minutes.

Looking to consolidate, Soham went to five at the back and the half followed much the same pattern.

The best chance of the first 30 minutes came from the head of Sheehan but his close range header was sent over the crossbar.

And with 10 minutes to go the game was done. Ashley Dumas conceded a foul in the penalty area and Russell scored the kick comfortably.

Russell missed a chance for his hat-trick after a late Sheehan mistake but three was enough for Soham.

Canvey Island: Giddens, Pitty (Charles 53’), Dumas, Sheehan, Warren, Craddock (Walker 74’), Collins, Merrifield, Sykes, Gilbey (Adeniji 85’), Melaugh