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Canvey Island 3, Aveley 0

AVELEY succumbed to only their second defeat under Rod Stringer but were thoroughly outplayed by a Canvey side that have look to have some form at just the right time to mount a Ryman Division One North promotion challenge.

The occasion proved no fairytale for Wayne Vaughan, returning to Park Lane where he had so much success in part of his earlier career.

Millers were dealt an early blow when Ben Bradbury fell awkwardly on his ankle and could play no further part. And things did not get much better as they soon found themselves a goal down.

Ryan Edgar's shot from just outside the area was well saved by Adam Rafis but he could only divert the ball into Jay Curran's path and the striker headed into the net.

The game was not going Aveley's was and a nightmare opening 20 minutes concluded with Canvey doubling their lead.

Andrew West's cross from the right was found at the near post by the head of Nicky Rugg who headed past Rafis from close range.

The Millers' opening chance of the game could have led to them reducing their arrears when Vaughan found Bradley Barnes unmarked and the left winger released his shot immediately, only to see it pushed onto the post by Canvey keeper Ricky Wiseman Canvey were playing free-flowing football and looked at ease in everything they did, with Aveley unable to get into the match. A well- worked Canvey move could have resulted in another goal but Curran narrowly shot wide of the target.

Just into first half stoppage time Aveley had a gilt-edged chance That, if taken would have been the perfect remedy for an otherwise poor first half performance. Vaughan shot through a body of players and his shot took a kind deflection to strike partner Ainsley Gasper but he shot straight at Wiseman.

Millers came out for the second half fresh and rejuvenated and within minutes of the restart could have found a way back into the match.

Vaughan got on the end of a through ball and was clear of the defence but the striker fluffed his kick wide of the goal.

After Rafis finely denied Curran his second of the game Aveley were awarded a perfect opportunity to get back into the game when Barnes was brought down in the box and the referee showed no doubt in pointing to the spot. Ryan Doyle looked to continue where he left off on Wednesday at Witham but shot low to Wiseman's right, enabling the former Tilbury keeper to save.

With this Aveley looked down and the Canvey put the game beyond any doubt after 68 minutes when they were awarded a free kick and from it Nicky Rugg produced an accurate free kick which Rafis could only get a hand to, merely diverting its path into the net.

The game looked well and truly over for the Millers as they failed to create much of a threat to the Canvey backline.

Canvey ended the game with ten men when defender Colin Wall - another former Tilbury player - was given his marching orders for his second bookable offence, a late tackle on Bradley Barnes.

Aveley were due to travel to London APSA on Thursday night in their defence of the Essex Thameside Trophy but that now has to be re- arranged with London APSA having an Essex Senior League game on that night.

Aveley: Adam Rafis, Sam Holloway, John Maskell, Ryan Doyle, Glen Golby, Gary Skerritt, Ben Bradbury (Kye Ruel 9, Nicky Wettner 46), Christian Wheeler, Ainsley Gasper (Tom Poole 71), Wayne Vaughan, Bradley Barnes. Subs not used: Luke Wilson, Shaz Ahmed

Ryman Division One North Up to and inc Sat Jan 5

8:28pm Saturday 5th January 2008

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