Merv's thoughts on the Carshalton game

[Merv]

Well, I thought that was absolutely bloody awesome this afternoon. Not only was it entertaining, not only was it attractive, not only was it exciting but it was three more beautiful points to take Canvey 21 points into the lead.

 

Be fair to our visitors, Carshalton have been second in the league for some time so nobody can say they are muppets. They tried to play football against Canvey in both our games this season and they are a neat footballing outfit who have made an impression since their arrival in the RPL. But they really had no answer to Canvey who were playing in overdrive today. Even the normally laconic Dick Davis who summarises for BBC Essex got a bit excited today and, just like the fans, he certainly had plenty to get excited about.

 

Without Lee Boylan or Steve Ward you can be excused for being a bit nervous before today’s kick-off but the strength of the Canvey squad is so impressive nowadays but what comes over, more than in any other season, is not just the individual strength of the players but the combined strength of the whole team. They all play so well together, read each other’s game and always seem to have a sixth sense of where the ball is going next. This was so today and none of the visiting fans can have any complaints about the final score.

 

The possessional play throughout the second half was simply magic. The overlapping triangles of one-touch football left Carshalton mesmerised on so many occasions. Whenever Minton got the ball in midfield he knew that he had JK one side of him, Greggers the other and Chenners hanging back just in case he was needed.

 

But it would be wrong to single out any individuals today as everybody played well. If I was forced to name one player I would need to think long and hard. Minton was the midfield general who dictated the style the game was going to follow, JK made the game move at a fast pace, Chenery was solid, Junior was dangerous and Gregory was on fire. But I was most impressed with Gavin Cowan – he never put a foot wrong all afternoon. I’d love to give a mention to Danny Potter but, truth is, I forgot he was there.

 

In previous seasons Canvey’s biggest problem has been their lack of consistency but, so far this term, they either play well and win, they play mediocre and win or they have a stinker and win. But as the season has gone on, it’s been all wins (or nearly – Hornchurch had a let off and Grays was the one wobble of the season).

 

Well done to Jeff King and also to Glenn Pennyfather. Together they have put together an awesome outfit that has entertained and enthralled us all season.

 

Final comment; what a great bunch the visiting fans were today. They were genuine in the compliments they paid to Canvey, even in defeat, and at least two of them congratulated me on the success of our team this season (whingers from Coronation Street XI please note)

 

[YELLOW]

I thought Carshalton were really dissapointing today. I think they had a few key players such as Danny Bolt out but they didn't look like a side in second place.

 

We were pretty awesome today and made it look so easy. Gav Cowan was superb at the back, cleared everything with a minimum of fuss.

Jeff provided that spark of invention in midfield and up front Greggors was on fire. Thought Junior wasn't quite at the races today. Got knocked off the ball too easily at times but still did some good things and took his goal well.

 

After the decent crowd we got on Tuesday I didn't expect there to be as good a crowd today. In fact we got more. A crowd of 772, our biggest in the league this season.

 

Things are definitely looking good!

[Staying-up]

Yes another great performance from the lads today, dominated the game form start to finish. Thought that JK wa outstanding today and great to see Peter Smith back and I thought he played really well in midfield in the time he was on.

Just a maximum of 27 points needed now to take the long awaited title.

[wayno]

A big pat on the back to you supporters today who were excellent in their support. It makes a massive difference when you are in voice like that from minute 1. Excellent moment when you cheered every single pass for what seemed an age and then booed when the ball went out. SHEER QUALITY. Keep it up.

[YELLOW]

Yeah that was definitely a quality moment. Carshalton looked shell-shocked. Second half we were just going through the motions. When we needed to step it up we did.

 

Next Saturday will be a lot tougher though!

[Basil-Don]

Thought Danny Potter should get man of the match for freezing his B******S off for 90 minutes with nothing to do!

[Phil Old Boy]

Well said thoughts as usual Merv.

 

What I like is the battling attitude and we seem to have become very mean leaking goals. There were times in previous seasons where our blunders at the back got punished every time when we were on top. This time we seem to be launching ourselves in front of goal to provide a formidable wall and fighting for every ball.

 

In addition as you have mentioned Merv, the football is just great to watch and I wonder what other teams think at times.

 

 

 

 

 

[gazza56]

Nice match report Merv - you have been able to reflect the feel of the game as eloquently as ever.

 

It was nice to hear the crowd supporting the players with the singing and cheering. Loved the one touch cheering.

 

Must mention JK - worked as tirelessly and effectively as ever despite being kicked up in the air at least three times.

 

Perhaps the Yellow Army have got it right - "We're going to win the league"

[THEROCK]

JK man of the match..Fantastic performance,also i like the way we are working hard even when we could take our foot off the gas!!..Carshalton were never really in it..Tomorrow rest Boylan again,let him recover from his knock..It would be nice to get Junior firing on all cylinders for saturday..Yeeelllowwwss!!

[cangull]

Not so sure resting a player like Boylan works too well, I would say he is one of those that benifits from constant play!!

Keeps the sharpness honed!

[THEROCK]

Well ive been told he took a knock,so think wrap him up in cotton wool..And tonight bedfore are a poor side..we should create without him..

[Merv]

Quote:

THEROCK said:
And tonight bedfore are a poor side..we should create without him..

Oh dear, until I read that I was feeling quite confident. Comments such as this always give me the heebie-jeebies. In the past we haven't given lowly placed teams enough respect and the old stats pages (just to give the old website another plug) shows the odd spillage of egg on face.

Always a good bit of banter with the Eagles, bald or otherwise. Is a bit strange though that they haven't been on this board much this season giving it large. Other seasons they have all but dominated these pages with how great they are and how rubbish Canvey are. Must be a lot of humble pie in the birdseed at The Eyrie this season.

[CANV EFM]

the fans are getting conference fever.. i think the team and management are focused .. all the usual suspects have disappeared this season.. im sure they are still out there