Kingstonian 3-1 Canvey Island

(Moss 65’, 86’, 90’: Sykes 43’)

From Kingsmeadow

Ryman Premier League

A SECOND-HALF hat-trick from Ryan Moss saw Canvey Island lose a game they largely dominated against Kingstonian.

The Gulls were looking to make it three games unbeaten after a recent upturn in results, and they began well at Kingsmeadow.

It was George Sykes, fresh from signing a contract with the club, who had the earliest opportunity.

But, having been fed by Martin Tuohy, the attacker was well denied by an Aaron Goode tackle.

Sykes saw a second effort blocked as the Gulls continued to impress and it looked as though the opening goal was only going to one man.

Sykes was denied by goalkeeper Rob Tolfrey, who used his legs to good effect, as Kingstonian failed to pose any meaningful threat on the away goal.

Steve Sheehan should perhaps have grabbed the opener but he missed his kick when well placed just five minutes before the break.

But Canvey were to get the goal they deserved and it was that man Sykes that got it.

Alfred Mugabo fed Tuohy and his cross was nudged home by Sykes.

Canvey felt they should have been a man better off shortly after the break when Ashley Dumas was on the receiving end of a crunching tackle from Bruce Hogg. But the home player was only booked.

Kingstonian levelled after 65 minutes, with the referee over-ruling his assistant to award the goal much to the frustration of the away contingent.

The home side were now on top, with Moore denying Joe Turner before they took the lead.

With four minutes to go, former Gulls man Lee O’Leary headed down for Moss to power home.

Tuohy hit the post as the Gulls threatened an equaliser for the away side.

But Moss had the last laugh, tapping home for his and Kingstonian’s third.

Canvey Island: Moore, Eyong, Pitty, Lawson, Mbamarah (Jomanday), Sheehan, Chatting, Mugabo (Hayden-Smith), Sykes, Tuohy, Dumas