Staines Town 1-1 Canvey Island

(Bettamer 8’: Blackman 64’)

From Wheatsheaf Park

Ryman Premier League

CANVEY Island came from behind to rescue what could be a very significant point at Staines Town.

Ryan Blackman’s free-kick ensured a share of the spoils, in a match Staines dominated for long periods.

This was a meeting between two in-form sides, with the Gulls top of the Ryman Premier League form guide and Staines unbeaten in their last nine matches.

But the Gulls were in desperate need of the points, being potentially just one defeat from dropping into the relegation places.

Staines created the first opportunity of the afternoon. Just three minutes were on the clock when Mohamed Bettamer’s cross was headed over the crossbar by Bayley Brown.

It was a sign of things to come. Five minutes later, Max Worsfold crossed and Bettamer slid in at the back post to score.

Jonathan Hippolyte headed narrowly over as the Gulls continued to come under serious pressure.

Defender George Allen was substituted off as Canvey’s problems deepened, and goalkeeper Conor Gough had to be alert to stop Adrian Clifton doubling Staines' lead.

The striker was slid through by the tricky Bettamer but Gough spread himself to make an important save.

Bettamer's long range strike was then pushed away from the danger zone by Gough.

Just a goal down at the break, Canvey needed to regroup but Staines were still in charge in the early throes of the second period.

Bettamer was halted by Gough, and the combined efforts of Ashley Dumas and John Mbamarah blocked the follow-up.

The Gulls were improving, with Sykes again not far away before Mitch Gilbey perhaps should have done better when well placed.

George Sykes, unusually restricted, saw a shot saved by Jack Turner in the home goal, before Danny Heale’s side did draw level.

A free-kick from captain Ryan Blackman went through a crowded box and nestled inside the far corner.

Gough made a stunning save to preserve the point with 10 minutes remaining, and the Gulls held on to secure a draw.

Canvey Island: Gough, Pitty, Dumas, Merrifield, Allen (Adelowo 15’), Mbamarah, Gilbey, Blackman, Sykes, Thomas, Agyakwa (Chatting 71’)