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The Urchins started the better side, and looked dangerous when breaking through the Canvey defence in wide areas. However, despite looking dangerous they failed to make an impact in front of goal until the 20th minute when they took the lead. A corner from the left found the head of Hornchurch’s captain Elliot Styles who was unmarked at the back post and made no mistake in directing the ball into the net.
 

Canvey were struggling to find enough space to play their passing game, and were often crowded out of possession in midfield when trying to work the ball forwards. Up the other end, the usually clinical Martin Tuohy was having an off night, squandering a couple of good chances that normally you would have expected him to score.

It was therefore some what against the run of play when Canvey equalised on 33 minutes. A foul on the left wing resulted in Leon Gordon whipping in a free kick towards the back post which was met by the head of Andrew West. The header struck the goalpost and rolled across goal where a grateful Danny Heale was on hand to tap the ball over the line and score against his former club.

Canvey came out of the blocks well in the second half, and a superb cross by Alex Rhodes found the head of Leon Gordon, only for his goal bound effort to be deflected behind for a corner.
 

However, Canvey wouldn’t have to rue this near miss for too long, as on 65 minutes Rob King gave the visitors the lead. Having collected the ball 30 yards from goal, King advances before unleashing an accurate right footed shot which although Hornchurch keeper Darren Behcet got his hands to, he was unable to prevent it nestling in the bottom corner of the net. King and his teammates rushed over to the travelling army of supporters to enjoy the celebrations.
 

This goal sparked some urgency into  Hornchurch’s game, and Canvey spent virtually the last 25 minutes on the defensive. However, The Gulls looked fairly comfortable in soaking up what the hosts had to offer.

The Urchins did have the ball in the net on 82 minutes thanks to another Elliot Styles header, but a blatant foul in the area was spotted by the referee and a free kick rightly given to Canvey.

With time running out, substitute Jo Flack was left free at the back post to connect with a header, but inexplicably headed the ball into the ground and over the bar as opposed to finding the net.
 

The final whistle sounded shortly afterwards to seal a well earned three points for John Batch’s side.