Potters Bar Town 1-1 Canvey Island

(Nicholas 49’: Walker 21’)

From the Pakex Stadium

Isthmian North

CANVEY Island were unable to break down 10 man Potters Bar Town as they claimed a 1-1 draw in their fight for promotion.

James Walker’s early goal was cancelled out and despite playing for an hour with 10 men, Canvey couldn’t force the winner.

The Hertfordshire side were playing their first game since discovering they had been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the season.

And Canvey almost made the dream start when a driven effort by George Sykes bounced off the post, after he had beaten the offside trap.

But Canvey were to deservedly strike first.

Mitch Gilbey’s corner caused chaos in the penalty area and, after Steve Sheehan had kept the ball alive, Walker netted in impressive fashion for the second consecutive week.

On the half hour the visitors were given a further boost when Billy Adcock was given his marching orders for a nasty challenge on Jake Pitty.

Frankie Merrifield’s shot was blocked on the stroke of half-time before they drew level.

Two minutes into the second half, Eoin Casey’s fine cross was met by George Nicholas and he hammered home impressively.

Canvey thought they had gone back in front three minutes later after Sam Collins found the net but although the goal was originally awarded, it was then chalked off following a discussion between the referee and his assistant.

Desperate for the winner, Canvey threw men forward and substitute Ryan Charles came close to a winner only for Berkley Laurencin to make a fine save.

Sykes hit the post again as the pressure grew but there wasn’t to be a winner.

Canvey Island: Newcombe, Pitty, Dumas, Craddock, Allen, Sheehan, Merrifield, Collins, Sykes, Gilbey (Charles 69’), Walker (Tuohy 84’)