Canvey Island 0-1 Great Wakering Rovers

(Johnson 15)

From the Frost Hire Stadium

Isthmian North

CANVEY Island lost ground in the early-season Isthmian North play-off chase as they were undone by hard-working Great Wakering Rovers.

Billy Johnson's goal after 15 minutes was enough for Rovers, who chalked up just their second win of term at the Gulls' expense. 

The game was only 30 seconds old when Canvey broke through but Mitch Gilbey was stopped from close range by goalkeeper Coey Turipa.

The same man was denied five minutes later from a dead ball situation but it was the visitors that went ahead against the run of play.

The ball was played to Johnson on the left-hand side of the penalty area and the winger thrashed beyond stopper Harry Palmer, who got a touch on the ball but couldn’t keep it out.

Steve Butterworth then drilled over as the hosts came under an increasing amount pressure.

Palmer spread himself to keep out the marauding Johnson on the half hour mark, while Adam Vyse shot agonisingly wide with the goal gaping.

It was an action-packed start to the second period, with both teams spurning chances which should have been taken.

Firstly, Butterworth shot narrowly wide of the far post following a swift Wakering counter-attack only for the Gulls to go up the other end and almost level.

A failed clearance resulted in the ball dropping to Merrifield’s feet but he sliced his effort horribly over the crossbar from six yards.

The hosts pressed for an equaliser - with Steve Sheehan's header ruled out for offside - but Wakering held on to record an excellent victory.

Canvey Island: Palmer, Warren (Agyakwa), Brown, Figura (Hutchinson), Allen, Allen, Sheehan, Collins, Gilbey, J. Cox (Kellum), Merrifield, Tuohy

Great Wakering Rovers: Turipa, Ring, Woodhouse, Pethers, Mbamarah, Butterworth, Gordon, Russell (Elsom), Vyse, G. Cox, Johnson