Haringey Borough 2-0 Canvey Island

(Gabriel 36, Olufemi 75)

From Coles Park

Isthmian North

CANVEY Island’s play-off hopes were dealt another blow as top six rivals Haringey Borough ran out 2-0 winners at Coles Park.

Goals in either half mean Canvey are now just five points inside the play-off places, while chasing Maldon & Tiptree have a game in hand.

Both sides desperately needed the points in their own play-off bids and both looked lively in the first 20 minutes.

George Sykes and Martin Tuohy almost linked up for the visitors only for Haringey’s Michael O’Donoghue to get back to snuff out the danger.

Tuohy then shot straight at home goalkeeper Valery Pajetat with Canvey in desperate need of some points on the road following a run of six straight league matches without victory.

Dangerman Ralston Gabriel was kept out twice by Henry Newcombe but the striker was to get the goal his play deserved.

On 36 minutes, Gabriel’s first strike was again blocked by Newcombe but, with the danger not cleared, the same man was on hand to tap home the loose ball.

Into the second half, Newcombe was again required to demonstrate his agility as Canvey came under pressure. The stopper did brilliantly to keep out Chinedu McKenzie.

Sykes headed over the bar as the Gulls bid to hit back but a second goal for Haringey all but ended those hopes.

Lauran Luke was allowed a shot on goal and although Newcombe made the initial block David Olufemi finished the loose ball.

Canvey Island: Newcombe, Pitty, Dumas, Sheehan, Allen, Merrifield, Collins (Wiggins 85), Sykes (Craddock 78), Melaugh, Tuohy (Gilbey 65), Charles