Canvey's season has so far seen them failing to fulfill their "title challenger" status that has followed them around in recent times. So the Ducks today went into the game full of optimisim and hopeful for a good result.
The optimism was heightened still as within 3 minutes they found themselves a goal up. A corner was claimed by Canvey keeper Harrison, but he comically dropped the ball into the back of his own net. This goal has since been credited to Danny Gordon. 1-0 Aylesbury
The Ducks had clearly planned to take the game to Canvey, and thvisitors appeared rattled. However, they almost got back on level terms through another own goal, as a dangerous whipped cross was headed just over by the defending Greg Williams. A scramble soon after could have ended up anywhere.
By this time the referee was letting play go on for just about anything, and certain Canvey players were getting away with a host of niggling fouls and hand-balls. Ashley Harrison in the visitor's goal looked shakey to say the least, as he constantly flapped balls away and dropped seemingly easy catches.
After 35 minutes though, the game was turned on its head after some moments of madness from both sides. A sliding tackle was gathered by keeper Harrison, to the protests of Aylesbury players, and the ref deemed it to be a backpass. In the ensuing melee Fiston Manuella tried to recover the ball from a Canvey player, and ended up scuffling. Amidst the scuffle, Manuella clearly lashed out, with what appeared to be a punch. (This has been debated) The Ref didn't like what he saw, and showed various yellow cards. Unfortunately, two yellow cards were shown to Fiston Manuella, and he was dismissed. Even though provoked, there was no denying or excusing the fact that Manuella had lashed out.
The resulting in-direct free-kick was a farce, as they usually are. The entire Canvey team lined up on the goal line, and charged the ball down. Aylesbury continued to create chances for a further five or so minutes, as Kesie Ibe performed his trademark lazy dribble and shot, which rolled off the outside of the post. A few inches to the left and it could have all been so different...
Canvey suddenly started to play, and forced Adam Wheeler into a number of excellent saves. The Aylesbury keeper was forced into 4 saves and a punch under extreme pressure, before the Ducks defence was finally beaten. A corner (why do we always concede from corners?!?) was tucked away by Canvey's Ben Chenery. 1-1
Half-time: Aylesbury 1-1 Canvey Island
Gary McCann replaced Wheeler in goal for the 2nd half.
The second half started brightly for the Ducks, as some nice play on the edge of the box led to Maskell shooting wide. 5 minutes later Joe Baker did superbly to take the ball into the box, over his shoulder, but it wouldn't fall for him and he had to settle for a corner.
Canvey started to turn the screw though, and were making their extra man show as they passed the ball around with confidence and belief. Their first chance of the half came after nine minutes as a free-kick was headed right across goal, with McCann rooted to the spot. A wild Protheroe shot signalled the start of Canvey's surge.
On 64 minutes Canvey thought they'd taken the lead, as they had a goal disallowed for yet another offside against them. Not a problem though, as 30 seconds later they scored. A shot straight at Gary McCann was spilled straight into the path of a Canvey striker, who sent it home. The floodgates had been well and truly opened. 2-1 Canvey
A minute later and Canvey took advantage of Mark Burgess' being caught upfield, to counter-attack down the left. Jeff Minton sent in a low cross which was easily converted by Neil Gregory. 3-1 Canvey
Suddenly Aylesbury's desire, belief, hope, commitment, appetite et al, was gone. The midfield was being totally over-run, and goal looked out of the question. It was simply a case of how many could we avoid conceding! Changes were made to try and get something out of the game, as Bangura and Sloma replaced Baker and Burgess.
As the game dragged on, another Canvey counter-attack was converted by the impressive Berty Brayley. Another goal came from a long-shot from Spencer Knight, which left McCann floundering. Aylesbury's misery was compounded with a 6th Canvey goal right at the end, as Lee Boylan was put clean through with McCann and coolly finished. 4-1 Canvey, 5-1 Canvey, 6-1 Canvey
