Tuesday 5th November, 2024 | Buckhurst Hill 0-3 Canvey Island | BBC Essex Senior Cup Third Round | Attendance : 154
By Harry Biggs
The Stags are out of the BBC Essex Senior Cup after a close contest with Isthmian Premier side Canvey Island at Myrak Park, in a match played under the lights with a fantastic attendance on a night of remembrance.
Before the game, a two-minute silence was observed by both teams and supporters to honour all the soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Captain Ollie Williams placed a wreath in the centre circle before the brief silence.
Manager Mark Williams fielded a strong side to face Canvey Island, making multiple changes from the previous match against Ilford, where The Stags salvaged a dramatic equalizer in the 90+18th minute. This cup tie also marked the final match in the dugout for assistant manager Adam Connolly, who announced his departure from Buckhurst Hill FC. One of Mark’s key changes was in goal, with Toby Smith replacing Muhammed Otuyo. The defence was completely reshuffled, with Harris being the only player to retain his spot from the last game. Youcef Tacine and Suley Zuhdu were both benched, while Archie Hammond, who only saw half an hour of action against Ilford, started.
Match Report
Canvey Island began strongly, dominating possession in the first half, but The Stags looked dangerous on the counterattack with George Thompson and Tyreece Robertson leading the charge. Canvey had the best early chance after 13 minutes when Carolan deflected a shot just wide.
The Stags’ first big opportunity came in the 18th minute when Thompson’s shot was deflected just past the post. Canvey maintained pressure, with Toby Smith forced into a fine save to tip a shot around the post, followed by Kane Gilbert missing a free header from the resulting corner.
Alfie Harris, the stalwart of Buckhurst Hill, made a crucial clearance off the line to deny Canvey once again. The Stags pressed forward but struggled to convert their chances; a well-built attack failed to find Padington at the far post, and Thompson was unable to capitalize on a heavy pass.
Canvey Island eventually broke the deadlock just before halftime with a fortunate goal. A cross found Chris Harris, who kneed the ball into the net slowly but effectively past Smith, giving Canvey a 1-0 lead in this third-round tie.
The Stags came out strongly in the second half and nearly equalized within the first minute. Jude Carolan’s shot was parried to Archie Hammond, who fired with power, but a Canvey defender made a miraculous block on the line. Hammond came close again five minutes later, but his free-kick was saved by the Canvey keeper.
Canvey Island extended their lead to 2-0 in the 55th minute following a blunder by Smith, who initially made a decent save but spilt the ball at the feet of striker Bradley Sach, who slotted it into an open net.
Mark Williams made all five of his substitutions, including the introduction of Dan Jones, who made an immediate impact after coming on in the 61st minute. Jones nearly scored four minutes into his appearance with a stunning volley from outside the box, only to be denied by an exceptional save from the Canvey keeper.
The Stags thought they had pulled one back in the 78th minute when Dan Jones found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the build-up. Jones continued to push forward, testing the keeper several times, but all his efforts were brilliantly saved.
Canvey Island sealed the victory with a late goal from Bradley Sach, making it 3-0 and securing their place in the next round.
The visitors avenged their defeat to Buckhurst Hill in last year’s competition in the round of 16. Canvey will now face either Colchester United or Dagenham & Redbridge in the next round.
TEAM :
Smith 🧤, Feeley, Carolan, Warner, Harris, Ismaili, Padington, Williams ©️, Thompson, Hammond, Robertson
SUBS :
Jones (61’ – Thompson), Zuhdu (46’ – Padington), Willison (59’ – Warner), Tacine (65’ – Robertson), Gregory (66’ – Hammond)
UPCOMING GAMES :
Wednesday 13th November 2024 – Woodford Town (H) – Errington Challenge Cup
Saturday 16th November 2024 – Frenford (A) – ESL Premier – Audio Commentary Available 🎙️
Saturday 23rd November 2024 – Stansted (H) – ESL Premier
