The first period belonged very much to the hosts with Blues keeper Ed Thompson again in top form as the Islanders pressed forward. In the 11th minute he gallantly rose high to tip over a long shot from John Curran. Seven minutes later Blues Joe O’Brien forced home keeper Ricky Wiseman in to a fine save from a ball laid on from Mark Gradosielski. Seconds later Leon Osei threaded his way through a tight defence – took a poke and again a fine save from Wiseman. In the 26th Lee Jay opened the Canvey account from just outside the area.

The tables turned somewhat in part two, no doubt a blasting in the dressing room from manager Adam Lee did the trick. Having said that Canveys’ Matt Read sent a shot across Thompsons’ goal in the 54th after a series of passes in the Wingate half, and in the 58th Leon Osei despatched a thunderbolt forcing keeper Wiseman to scramble the ball away from the post along the bye-line. Five minutes later Guy Morris headed over from an Osei free-kick, the ball first being headed to Morris by Billy Amarteifio.

Again Guy Morris took up forward stations sending a shot just wide, but off for a corner. With seventeen minutes remaining and the Blues in search of a leveller, Guy Helman sent a shot just wide after Leon Osei threaded his way through as provider. Helman again fired wide followed by a thirty yard thunderbolt from Chris West on target but well saved from host keeper Wiseman. With twelve minutes remaining John Curran doubled Canvey’s lead twisting his way through the visiting defence. As a footnote, the Wingate and Finchley officials noted the warmth, courtesy and respect shown to them by their Canvey Island counterparts, and indeed also the friendliness of the home supporters. A pleasurable visit despite the scoreline and the cold.