Canvey Island 1-0 Dulwich Hamlet

(Sheehan 87’)

From the Frost Financial Stadium

Ryman Premier League

CANVEY Island secured a huge three points as they saw off play-off hopefuls Dulwich Hamlet to climb to just a point from safety in the Ryman Premier League.

Captain Steve Sheehan scored a late winner to give the Gulls the points against Hamlet.

Canvey had claimed back-to-back draws to boost manager Danny Heale as the Gulls bid to get out of relegation trouble, although Dulwich Hamlet looked set to provide one of their toughest home tests of term so far.

The match didn’t spark into life until midway through the half. Jake Pitty did well to block Ibra Sekajja’s acrobatic effort, with Nyren Clunis firing inches wide soon after as the away side upped the ante.

George Sykes, so often Canvey’s source of inspiration this season, did well to make space only for stopper Preston Edwards to keep out the rangy forward.

There was a change in referee, as Peter Cruise injured himself as the half wore on, and Dulwich should have been ahead at the interval.

Ashley Carew shot wide when well placed, with goalkeeper Lewis Moore doing well to keep out Gavin Tomlin after he had beaten the Gulls defence.

Moore was needed again to stop Sekajja’s strike as his clean sheet remained at half time.

It was becoming something of a personal battle, with the Gulls stopper doing well to prevent Sekajja on the hour mark.

It looked as though Canvey were to get a crucial win in their battle for survival when Sykes stormed through with 10 minutes to go but Edwards was equal to his effort.

But from then it was down to Sheehan. First he made a superb goal-line clearance to keep out Marc Weatherstone.

And then, with three minutes to spare, he rose highest to power home the winner.

Canvey Island: Moore, Pitty, Dumas, Merrifield, Howlett-Mundle, Sheehan, Mugabo (Hayden-Smith), Blackman, Sykes, Ibe (Tuohy), Chatting