Maldon & Tiptree 2–2 Canvey Island

(Ogedi-Uzokwe 51’, Gondoh 60’: Collins 17’, Gilbey 82’)

From Park Drive

Isthmian North

CANVEY Island played out a thrilling 2-2 draw to share the spoils with Maldon & Tiptree in the Isthmian North.

Goals aplenty and a late penalty save didn’t begin to tell the story of a fantastic game.

It was a match between the division’s two top-scorers, with goals aplenty expected.

Maldon created the first opportunity of the game after just 90 seconds. Jake Pitty was beaten for pace but Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe – the Isthmian North’s leading scorer – miscued horribly when well placed.

Ryan Gosdoh then shot over as the Gulls were made to defend early on but the away side were to strike first.

Having been fouled, Sam Collins picked himself up and crashed a marvellous 30 yard free-kick into the corner.

Maldon came closest to a first half leveller five minutes before the interval. An Ashlee Jones clearance was met Harvey Brown but his long range effort – while on target – couldn’t beat Jerrome Sobers who got back to head off the line.

The scores were level six minutes after the break. Oluwole Akinsanya combined with Ogedi-Uzokwe and he powered into the corner.

And a touch of fortune turned the game on its head. Sobers’ clearance was blocked and Gondoh tucked in from close range.

Sykes saw a shot saved before Canvey hit back. Collins was the provider for Mitchell Gilbey to flick home expertly.

But the drama wasn’t over. Following two stunning saves to deny Sobers and Sykes, Maldon were awarded a penalty.

Two minutes remaining, Ogedi-Uzokwe was brilliantly denied by Jones who had committed the foul.

And it was to end a point apiece.

Canvey Island: Jones, Pitty, Dumas, Craddock (Charles 61’), Warren, Sobers, Merrifield, Collins. Sykes, Gilbey, Walker (Melaugh 61’)