Canvey v Maidenhead - Merv's thoughts

[Merv]

I got the impression today that had the referee awarded Maidenhead four penalties in the last five minutes to bring the score back to 4 – 4, Canvey would simply have upped their game a gear and easily scored another two. There was never any danger of Canvey losing this one and that was obvious from the fifth minute when Dugdale stopped a certain Lee Boylan goal with his hand and the referee had no choice but to send him in for an early bath. Boyly converted from the spot and the afternoon’s rout began.

 

In fairness to Maidenhead they didn’t look as if they were down to ten men, such was the work-rate of the individual players. But at the same time, and with apologies to any Magpie readers, they never looked to be in the same class as Canvey. They were able to push the ball about well in midfield but their only route into the home penalty area was by a long ball through the middle and the Canvey defence was simply too strong.

 

Not only was the defence too strong, the midfield was too strong and the attack force of Boylan and Gregory was also too strong. Even with Wardy still out with a bad back (where have we heard that one before?) it made no difference. Ty Gooden limped off with an injury and was replaced by Kevin Dobinson – it made no difference, Boylan was replaced by Junior MacDougald in the second half – it made no difference and then, with only a few minutes remaining, Gregory was replaced by Ollie Berquez and again, it made no difference. This must be the strongest and most talented squad at Park Lane for some time and there is little doubt in many minds that these lads, had they been in the Conference this season, would be doing really well.

 

The penalty was a re-run of Tuesday night’s opener but this time it was Boyly’s turn to convert the spot kick rather than Greggers. Minton’s goal was probably the best of the afternoon as he seemed to take an age, sizing up the situation from the edge of the Magpie’s penalty area before curling a powerful shot over the keeper from 18yds, leaving the hapless Phil Wilson flapping desperately at mid-air. Mints was also responsible for setting up the third goal, pushing the ball through the narrowest of gaps just inside the box, allowing Chris Duffy to come bounding in and unleashing an unstoppable ball that once again, Wilson could do little to stop.

 

For goal enthusiasts, the second half must have been something of a disappointment, but for students of controlled, skilful and dominating football it was a veritable feast. Although Canvey released the pressure and Maidenhead became sharper in midfield, it was still a stroll in the park at times. The visitors had little idea of how to get the ball from the relative safety of mid-field to where it might do some damage. The problem they couldn’t overcome was the impeccable Gavin Cowan and the immaculate Ben Chennery. Between them were letting nothing pass, either on the floor or in the air. And just in case he was ever needed, Danny Potter was behind them commanding his area faultlessly.

 

Potter was so much in command of the danger area. Even from the opposite end of the stadium we could hear Danny calling for the ball and directing his defenders like a drill sergeant on a parade ground. Add to this the speed at which he got the ball back upfield and you can understand why Canvey have only conceded one goal in the trophy so far this season.

 

Gavin grabbed a fourth goal in the dying seconds of the game but by now the scoreline was of little relevance. Canvey had earned a place in the semi-finals of the Trophy for only the second time in their illustrious history – AND THEY ARE 20 POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP OF LEAGUE. With over 900 fans standing on the terraces it seems that the island’s footballing community are beginning to get off their backsides and putting some real effort into supporting the team. I bet some of them are even polishing up their stretch limos, just in case they are needed for a trip to the midlands some time in May?

 

[Staying-up]

Yes great performance from the lads today, the game really was over once the penalty was converted.

I want Aldershot in the semis we have a score to settle with them plus here would be a massive crowd for both legs.

Does anyone know the dates of the semi-finals?

[Phil Old Boy]

Another cracking performance from the boys. Game did go a bit flat in the second half but all credit to Maidenhead for keeping going.

 

Can't really add anything else that Merv hasn't already put.

 

The yellow army were quieter today and seemed to be listening to the Maidenhead fans. Can't think of the words but again one of those scenarios where the away supporters making up for being away.

 

Best game I have seen Midgely play today and Gavin played really well again.

Thought that Cheners distribution was poor at times but he made good use exploiting the space in that RB position.

 

Well, Don't know what others thoughts on the best draw for the semi's.

 

Remember 3 years ago and we drew Chester at home in the first leg. Should have won 4/5-0 that day and sown it up, but we had to withstand an early onslaught at the Deva Stadium before we banged in another couple of goals.

 

Personally, I don't want to play Aldershot at this stage and it would be good to have an all essex ryman derby final.

 

So here's to Shrewsbury at home in the first leg.

 

[CIFC - Y.A]

I've been slightly disappointed in Chenners our last few games. It seems he's coming forward to support more, and asking for the ball a lot. When he finally gets it, he'll end up playing a cross either off, or to the middle of nowhere. I think he's a great defender, dont take me wrong, but I think he should JUST be a defender...

 

Midgely seems to be doing slightly better, but I still think a replacement is needed to fix the weak spot.

 

Who am I to complain about our recent performances though?! I've had much pleasure watching them, and I shouldnt really complain...

 

Another great performance, which led me to look back over the '01 pictures of when we won the cup, and made me realise just how much I'd love to re-live that moment.

 

If we managed to get Hornchurch in the final, it'd just be the icing on the cake, and to do the double would bring hundreds of Islanders dreams come true!

[Exile]

Semi-final dates are March 27 and April 3. So that's two more home league games to re-arrange ! Two months of the season to go and we have 14 league games and two Trophy games to play - let's hope it becomes three !

[cangull]

With things going as they have been and in our way, we will hopefully have the championship by the next round! What a boost that would be for the 27th against whoever we come out of the bag with.

If we do progress to the final, I do feel it would be fitting to see us pitted against Aldershot, last years champions against this years(should it happen) would bring out the thousands at the Park!

[Staying-up]

Well I want Aldershot in the semis and then play our friends from Hornchurch in the final.

How good would it be to have an all Essex all Ryman final.

If we do play Aldershot in the semis I hope there fans will be put at the sea wall end. What happened at last years game was disgraceful. It was the most unpleasant atmosphere I have experienced at a canvey game the poilce and stewards didnt have a clue.

[YELLOW]

That's the main reason I don't want Aldershot. Don't get me wrong I'm not calling all 'Shots' fans 'thugs' and the majority of those that came on this forum last season were genuine and very respectful towards Canvey but they do have a hooligan element.

 

I would definitely not fancy a repeat of the scenes we saw last season!

[gazza56]

Quote:

its-got-to-be-this-year said:
If we do play Aldershot in the semis I hope there fans will be put at the sea wall end. What happened at last years game was disgraceful. It was the most unpleasant atmosphere I have experienced at a canvey game the poilce and stewards didnt have a clue.

I would bring to the attention of the above that the stewards who were meant to be controlling the Aldershot fans were in fact brought in and paid for stewards for Southend Utd and NOT the regular home stewards who tried to make the best of a bad mess when some of the 'Shot fans invaded the pitch after the goal

[Merv]

May I suggest that before we get into a slagging match between our fans and our stewards (who are, in fact, fans like the rest of us) that we appeal to the club to get used to the fact that we are going to get crowds in excess of 1,000, maybe in excess of 2,000, on a regular basis from now on. Not having enough programmes, not having enough turnstiles open, toilets closed, overcrowded bar, inadequate refreshment bars, not having enough stewards and not providing enough training for the stewards are all problems that we are going to face. Nice problem, when you come to think of it! Games like Gravesend (the famous floodlight game) may well have been a surprise, but we are going to have to get used to surprises in the future and be ready for them.

 

Our stewards do a great job and never come over as heavy handed. Even Trevor has shown a sense of humour on occasions!!! However, if we are going to move into the big time, they need some help and some training. Let's not get on their backs before the big crowds even arrive.

[cangull]

Well said Merv - Lets hope someone at the club has taken this on board. It must be realised that having just one door open at the bigger gates just isn,t good enough, it gets peoples backs up having to Q up to get in, Q up to get a piss, Q up to get a cuppa. Its bloody embarrassing for everyone one of us. If we are going into the big time lets start thinking big time and about supporters comfort, just so they will want to come again. We need to get these attendances bigger and sorting out the above problems is one way to start the ball rolling!

[ronin]

I am sure some things can be improved on by using extra people but i can`t see the club spending money improving the ground when they aim to move soon. I know we are not talking on the same scale but every football league ground i have been to i`ve had to que for everything aswell. i`d rather have that than an empty ground as i`m sure you would.

 

We all know Park Lane has had it`s day but it will get us into the conference and then if all goes to plan we will move to our new ground.

[cangull]

On the money and payout at this stage I agree, but when people have to walk all around the ground to go to the loo in just the one toilet block when all was needed was for a keyholder to unlock the portaloo cabin. When there are big crowds expected it wouldn,t cost any extra to open another turnstile block would it, two valid points that will not cost a thing!!