Canvey Island 0, Dartford 2

by Dan Thurogood

FIRST half goals from George Sykes and Yemi Oguneumi set Dartford on their way to a comfortable pre-season friendly victory at the Prospects Stadium.

After an even opening 15 minutes, the Blues took control after good work down the left-hand side by Danny Fitzsimmon.

Barry Coghan played the decisive ball through to Sykes, who controlled well before sliding the ball past Canvey goalkeeper Jake Larkins into the far corner in the 19th minute.

The second came just after the half hour mark through Sykes.

He used his strength to win the ball back, run across the box and play a reverse through ball into the path of unmarked Oguneumi, who produced a tidy finish into the far corner from just to the left of the six-yard box.

Ozzy Adenigi’s introduction in the second half started to cause problems for Dartford, as Canvey improved after half time.

His run beat three players before he laid the ball to the right to Jay Curran but after hesitating and taking a heavy touch he mis-timed his shot straight at the keeper.

Canvey had half chances towards the end, most notably Glenn Poole’s effort from 25 yards which was inches away from the top corner.

Canvey boss Danny Heale overall was pleased with his side’s performance.

“For the first match of pre-season I felt our fitness levels were good, especially in the second half,” Heale said.

“We’ve been working hard in training to improve our fitness levels overall.”

Heale said he feels his side need further additions to strengthen the squad before the start of the season.

His main priorities are another striker and a wide midfielder to help create more chances to score.

The Gulls boss said his main target this season is to win the league but understands how difficult the Ryman Premier is.

But he added: “Hopefully we can put together a good FA Cup run this season and get into the first round after the preliminaries”

In other friendlies, Concord Rangers drew 3-3 away to Brightlingsea Regent and Billericay Town beat hosts Thurrock 2-0.