Canvey Island 1-1 Wealdstone
Canvey Island
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WealdstoneAlthough Wealdstone’s recent improvement continued apace at Canvey Island on Tuesday evening they will be cursing their luck once again as Scott Fitzgerald’s 77th minute strike was cancelled out by a 97th minute equaliser from a very grateful home side with only their second attempt on goal in a second period that Stones had dominated.
The referee had indicated 4 minutes added time but inexplicably added a further three and although Alex Rhodes strike for the Gulls was spectacular it was literally the last kick of a match that Stones thought they had won – and won handsomely.
Stones Manager Gordon Bartlett admitted after the match that prior to the game he would probably have a settled for a point. With fully five regulars out through injury and suspension, a long trip with difficult windy conditions this was always going to be a tough venue to come away with any kind of result.
Bartlett has drafted in two new players to bolster his depleted squad and has indicated that he may well need to sign more this week with the news that his injury problems have been exacerbated with Danny Spendlove picking up a long term groin problem at Canvey.
In comes Ben Long a midfielder who has experience of playing professional football in Iceland and ex Forest Green Rovers and Watford utility player Ben Gill who was playing in Slovenia last season. Both players will get additional playing time in a Capital League match at The Vale on Wednesday evening.
Stones largely controlled the match at a blustery Brockwell Stadium, and, as in the two recent Kingstonian games, their passing and movement was sharp and effective in the midfield areas. However the ball tended to be overplayed at times with the forwards, Scott Fitzgerald and Peter Dean almost wanting to walk the ball into the net at times.
Danny Spendlove had a glorious run and strike that was well saved by the Gulls keeper but until Fitzgerald’s breakthrough attempts on goal had been few and far between.
But that goal ought to have been enough until they were pegged back by the curse of mysterious time added. But Stones unbeaten recent run continues and that will further boost Bartlett’s rejuvenated sides confidence.
Stones travel to Cray Wanderers for another Sunday game this weekend and will once again be looking for their first league away victory.
Wealdstone: Thomas, Chappell, Cronin, Massey, Lavers, Forbes, Brooks, Dyer, Spendlove, Dean, Fitzgerald. Subs: North, Gill, Long, Blennerhassett.