Canvey Island 3-0 Heybridge Swifts

(Gilbey 20’, Sykes 28’, 90')

From the Frost Hire Stadium

Isthmian North

CANVEY Island climbed to third in the Isthmian North with a comfortable victory against Heybridge Swifts.

First half goals from Mitch Gilbey and George Sykes were added to by the latter in the dying embers of the match.

Swifts had nine games in hand on their hosts after impressive cup runs in numerous competitions and were looking to cut into the 18 point deficit at Park Lane.

And Kreshnic Krasniqi should have put the visitors ahead after 10 minutes. The former Billericay man was played clean through but goalkeeper Jack Giddens was equal to his effort.

And Canvey were to net with their first real opportunity of the game. Sam Collins switched the play and Frankie Merrifield’s brave header seemed destined for the corner only for Gilbey to head home from on the goal-line.

Steve Sheehan headed narrowly wide as the Gulls took the game to their opponents and they deservedly doubled their lead on the half hour.

Gilbey swivelled and sent an early cross for Sykes to volley emphatically into the corner.

Merrifield was denied by Danny Sambridge in the away goal and the same man drove wide when well placed in a first half dominated by the hosts.

But the deficit should have been halved on the stroke half-time. Joan Luque picked up the pieces in the penalty area only to slice high and wide from eight yards when it looked easier to score.

The second half was a quieter affair, with the best chance of the half coming with 10 minutes remaining.

A shot beat Giddens but Ryan Melaugh got back to clear off the line.

And Sykes wrapped up the win with another well taken strike in stoppage time for his 24th goal of an excellent season.

Canvey Island: Giddens, Pitty, Dumas, Craddock, Warren, Sheehan, Merrifield, Collins (Norman 90'), Sykes, Gilbey (Charles 71’), Melaugh