75 minutes in the car to Park Lane and Jeff King's Canvey Island. A significant Police presence in 3 vans for some reason. We don't usually see that in the Ryman. Perhaps they they hadn't been told that the Trophy match against Yeovil was postponed. The Gulls are top of the League but are looking over their shoulders at Gravesend & Northfleet, 2 points behind but with 2 games in hand. Saints are 9th but with a hatful of games in hand. City are looking for their first win under new Chairman John Gibson.
Dreadful weather today. A gale blowing diagonally across the pitch, a brief hailstorm before kick-off, sleet during the game. A temperature of about 4 degrees but a wind-chill factor reducing it to -20 or so. Ground improvements are under way at Canvey and the terrace behind one goal was closed. The hardy had an excuse to find shelter for the second half.
For today, The Dynamic Duo selected Wilmot in goal; 4 at the back: Honeyball, Moran, Smith and Rattle; 5 in the middle: Armstrong (on loan from Stevenage), Sugrue, Evans, Kean, and Nutter (on loan from Aldershot); and up front: Martin. On the bench were Cook, Mackail-Smith and Bignall. In the stand were the injured Campbell and the soon to be fit Ansell. I expected to see Wraight back from a loan spell at Bishops Stortford but perhaps I mis counted the 28 days.
With the wind at their backs, or more accurately, right shoulders, City started well. Armstrong and Nutter showed their pedigree from the midfield supporting Martin in attack and Saints were spreading the ball across the pitch, looking threatening. On 15 minutes, Saints deservedly took the lead when Martin was brought down in the area and got up to convert the penalty. 0-1. For the first half hour, Saints were in command, comfortable on the ball, and using it well. The Islanders began to threaten with former Saint, Spencer Knight finding space on the left, and somewhat against the run of play drew level when they were awarded a penalty after Rattle brought down Gregory to prevent the striker scoring from a rebound. Rattle was fortunate not to get a red but perhaps he is related to the referee as he didn't get a yellow either. 1-1. Within a couple of minutes, Canvey scored again when a Knight cross was well struck home by Gregory at the far post. 2-1. H.T.
For the first half hour of the second half, Canvey were in control. For me, City played too deep, several of the Saints faded, and we watched the Islanders retain possession, passing the ball around the field at will. A Moran headed clearance was smartly volleyed home and it was 3-1. Wilmot had a fine game pulling off a number of saves and blocks during the second period.
Cook came on for the injured Rattle and Bignal came on for the tiring Sugrue. Bignal brings bite up front, and whether Canvey took their foot (feet?) off the gas or City simply raised their game, we saw an exciting last 15 minutes as Saints pressed. Armstrong scored with a deflected shot with 7 minutes left. 3-2. Two corners in the last couple of minutes couldn't be converted and Canvey were pleased to hear the final whistle. 3-2. F.T.
It was good football today, a good game in very poor conditions. City showed their form from before Christmas for the first half but faded for the first half hour of the second. Over the 90 minutes, my MotM was Wilmot, followed by Moran. Armstrong and Nutter look the part. Canvey were disappointing overall and will need to do better if it's to be Conference football next term. The attendance was 425 with a vocal 120 or so Travelling City Faithful making the trip from Hertfordshire.
Entertainment 9/10. Atmosphere 8/10. Technical Merit 7/10. Referee 5/10.
Next up. Away on Tuesday at Maidenhead then back at The Park on Saturday for the visit of Gravesend & Northfleet.. A lot of games are to be played. Who'd be Match Secretary? Mind you, I hear that he's on £50,000 a year. Pressure? They don't know the meaning of the word, these people. They should have my job.
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