Lewes 1, Canvey Island 2 (From Echo)

Lewes 1, Canvey Island 2

12:19pm Monday 30th January 2012 in Billericay Town & Concord Rangers: Ryman Premier

THE Gulls produced a superb performance to win at promotion hopefuls Lewes and move to within four points of the play-off places.

Coming on the back of an equally impressive victory against Lowestoft, Glen Alzapiedi’s side started in positive fashion, with Alex Rhodes and Bradley Woods-Garness both shooting narrowly wide.

So it was a surprise when the hosts took the lead on 24 minutes with their first shot on goal.

A cross from the left wing by Christian Nanetti found the head of Paul Booth, who rose well to nod the ball into the net.

But Canvey responded well and Jay Curran had a header saved by goalkeeper Rikki Banks, with Bradley Woods-Garness unable to convert the rebound from a tight angle.

Curran had another effort saved before the break, and Michael Alaile had a header cleared off of the line as Canvey went into the half time break a goal down but well on top.

But the Gulls got the goal they deserved six minutes after the restart as Rhodes scored his ninth of the season.

Jason Hallett brought the ball down and squared to the winger, and he slotted the ball into the bottom corner to draw his side level.

Canvey were dominant and Lewes struggling to get out of their own half, and a huge goalmouth scramble on 64 minutes saw at least five shots blocked by the home defence and goalkeeper.

But the pressure finally told on 72 minutes when the in-form Bradley Woods-Garness scored what would prove to be the winner.

Winger Dean Mason, who had come on for Curran, drove into the box and found Woods-Garness, and he hit a sweet shot past Banks to send the large contingent of visiting supporters into raptures.

Lewes’ PA announcer awarded the man of the match to the Rooks keeper Banks on a day when Canvey were well worth their win.

Canvey: Russell, Ward, Dumas, King, Alaile, Easterford, Curran (Mason 63), Comley, Woods-Garness, Hallett (Heale 79), Rhodes (Game 86).

Echo MOM: James Comley