Dereham Town 2-2 Canvey Island

(Castellan 10’, Hinton 52’: Sykes 38’, Craddock 61’)

From Aldiss Park

Isthmian North

CANVEY Island couldn’t force a winner as they drew 2-2 in an exciting match against Dereham Town.

After a 15 minute delay with some of the Gulls players late in arriving, it was the visitors that began the brighter.

A George Craddock strike was well tipped over before the tide turned.

On 10 minutes a corner was sent in and Matthew Castellan headed into the net for Dereham.

Craddock was the danger man for the away side. His corner hit the crossbar before the Gulls levelled.

Mitchell Gilbey’s neat effort was well saved and George Sykes tapped home the loose ball.

But following a poor start to the first half, the Gulls conceded just seven minutes into the second half.

Ashley Dumas gave the ball away and David Hinton raced through to finish well.

Canvey equalised for a second time following a goalmouth scramble, Craddock on target.

Gilbey hit the post as Canvey looked for the lead for the first time in the match, with Steve Sheehan also hitting the frame of the goal.

But it wasn’t to be for the Gulls.

Canvey Island: Giddens, Pitty, Dumas (Melaugh 70’), Craddock, Warren, Sheehan, Merrifield, Collins, Sykes, Gilbey, Charles