Canvey Island 2–1 Burgess Hill Town

(Thomas 39’, Oyeleke 55’: Richardson-Brown 33’)

From the Frost Financial Stadium

Ryman Premier League

CANVEY Island secured a critical three points as they battled back from a losing position to defeat Burgess Hill Town.

It was a crunch match for the Gulls, after they had shared the points with the Sussex side less than two weeks ago.

But it was a relatively low-key opening to the clash. In fact it took 25 minutes for either side to create a chance.

Dan Pearse let fly and Gulls stopper Conor Gough got down to keep out his stinging strike.

Burgess Hill were on top, with only some excellent work from Ashley Dumas keeping the scores level.

Mitch Gilbey was halted by Town keeper Josh James’ feet before Burgess Hill took the lead.

On 33 minutes, Gough failed to hold a free-kick and Tyrell Richardson-Brown poked home the loose ball.

But the Gulls hit back five minutes later.

Gilbey’s fine delivery was met by Simon Thomas and his header gave James no chance.

Into the second period, Manny Oyeleke sent a strike over the bar from long range as Canvey made the early running.

And 10 minutes into the half, Canvey had the lead.

George Sykes made ground down the left and, after Ryan Blackman was tackled, Oyeleke made sure from midway inside the box.

And Canvey held out relatively comfortably to move to within a point of safety.

Canvey Island: Gough, Pitty, Dumas, Blackman, Adelowo, Sheehan, Gilbey (Lawson 71’), Oyeleke, Sykes, Thomas (Ibe 88’), Agyakwa (Chatting 60’)