Haringey Borough 3-1 Canvey Island

(Kirby 71’, Djassi-Sambu 82’ (p), Ademiluyi 90': Sheehan 90')

From Coles Park

Isthmian North play-off final

CANVEY Island’s hopes of an immediate return to the Isthmian Premier League were ended as Haringey Borough ran out 3-1 winners in the Isthmian North play-off final.

Second half goals from Mark Kirby, Jorge Djassi-Sambu and Michael Ademiluyi ensured the Gulls missed out on a desperately disappointing afternoon in north London.

The Gulls and Borough had both come through difficult semi-final ties to set up the final at Coles Park, with Haringey given home advantage due to their higher finish in the league table.

And Canvey were faced with the task of breaking down a seemingly impenetrable home defence, with eight shut outs in their last eight home victories.

But, in front of more than 800 supporters, the visitors started well. Sam Collins drilled wide from 30 yards before the first effort on target.

After 10 minutes, Collins sprayed a ball into the run of Sam Higgins and the forward hammered the ball at goal. But goalkeeper Valeriy Paajetat was equal to his right-footed effort.

Borough grew into the match and midway through the half the ball dropped wide of the near post after a cross had caused chaos at the back.

But Canvey were looking more than a match for the home team. Higgins shot when a square pass to Mitch Gilbey may have been the better option.

Steve Sheehan saw a low strike saved as the half ended goalless.

Both sides continued to impress despite the soaring temperatures, with Ricky Gabriel blasting a tester into the gloves of Henry Newcombe.

Higgins headed straight at Pajetat as the second period got off to a first start, while Newcombe needed to be alert to block a cross by dangerous substitute Ademiluyi.

The hosts were dealt a blow when Pajetat was forced off with what appeared to be an injury, as the game entered its final 30 minutes.

Yet that seemed to give Borough something extra. The away side were becoming increasingly stretched at the back and Sheehan and George Allen were required to make superb last ditch blocks.

But the pressure was to tell. With 19 minutes remaining a corner was swung in and Kirby powered a header into the goal.

And one was to become two in the final 10 minutes. Frankie Merrifield was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Djassi-Sambu made no mistake from 12 yards to send Borough into dream land.

Yet the drama was not over yet.

Sheehan pulled a goal back with a close range header before a moment of real confusion.

The linesman flagged Ademiluyi offside as he raced through on goal but, as the ball was fired home, the referee over-ruled his assistant and ensured it was Haringey that would be celebrating come full-time.

Canvey Island: Newcombe, Pitty, Dumas, Merrifield, Sheehan, Allen, Collins (Melaugh 75’), Gilbey (Charles 69’), White (Tuohy 84'), Sykes, Higgins