Improved Greens not quite enough

Greensnet Editor
Tue 25 Mar 2003, 23:00

Hendon produced a far improved performance this evening, but it wasn't enough to overcome the first leg deficit that Canvey Island held - the Gulls going through to the Bryco Cup final. The second leg produced plenty of entertainment for the sparce crowd, if not as many goals as previous games between the two clubs this season. The Greens came out with the required attitude to pull back the two goal deficit, and went 1-0 up in the fifth minute. Lee Endersby, with his back to goal, flicked the ball over the Canvey defence and saw Ricci Crace latch onto it and slot home. However, Lee Boylan had other ideas, and netted a brace, heading home a corner in the 13th minute and in the 25th slamming home a long throw-in which the Dons' defence failed to clear.

While the tie was essentially wrapped up at 6-3 on aggregate, Hendon still pushed to try and get back in the tie and were rewarded after Martin Randall converted a penalty which had been given for a push. However, despite the home side's possession and effort in the second half, Canvey did enough to avoid conceeding any further goals, and ensured their passage through to the final at the end of the season.