Lewes 3–1 Canvey Island

From the Dripping Pan

Ryman Premier League

 

CANVEY Island’s wretched slump showed no sign of letting up as they were beaten 3-1 at bottom-of-the-table Lewes.

Ashley Dumas’ side had pulled Canvey level shortly before half-time, but the struggling Lewes hit back with a strong second-half display to earn the points.

Both sides were in desperate need of the points. Lewes were cut adrift at the bottom of the table, while Canvey needed to put last weekend’s 4-0 thumping against Hampton & Richmond Borough behind them.

It was a slow start on a heavy pitch, but it was the combative Tambeson Eyong that was looking the most likely to open the scoring.

After Jay Curran had headed over, Eyong’s drive was held by Lewes goalkeeper Chris Winterton, with the same player denied from 15 yards out once again soon after.

Rhys Smith shot wide in what was Canvey’s first meaningful attempt on goal, and Henry Muggeridge looked certain to open the scoring when it opened up for him in the box, only for Jake Pitty to make a vital interception.

Jonte Smith was kept out by Conor Gough as the pressure from the home side grew, but there was nothing he could do to stop the same man opening the scoring.

Smith bamboozled Ashley Dumas inside the penalty area and drilled across Gough impressively.

Tony Stokes’ header was kept out by Winterton but the Gulls did have something to cheer moments before half-time.

Marlon Agyakwa won a free-kick and Dumas’ effort beat everyone to nestle in the corner.

Captain Richard Halle saw a header cleared off the line in the opening throes of the second period, as Canvey looked to continue the momentum gained from the end of the first-half.

Dee Okojie was superbly denied by Gough, but Lewes did edge in front with just 17 minutes to go.

Substitute Alex Laing sped past Gough and found the net, despite the best efforts of Halle on the goal-line.

Smith missed a glorious chance to make it 3-1 before he made sure of the result with a hard, low finish into the corner.

Substitute Martin Tuohy had several late chances but it was another defeat for Danny Heale’s Gulls.

 

Canvey Island: Gough, Pitty, Dumas, James-Lewis (Wickham), Halle, Eyong, Mbulu, Agyakwa, Chatting (Gilbey), Curran (Tuohy), Stokes