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City move up to fifth

- 16/01/2010

Canterbury City 4 Coney Hall 0

City moved into fifth place in the Kent County League Premier Division after overcoming early frustration to score three second half goals built on direct, uncomplicated football that Coney Hall struggled to resist.

Although Coney Hall were not as competitive as they had been when City played them away earlier in the season, all the while they were only a goal behind they posed a threat from the odd breakaway or long shot. Even so, they were never comfortable against Royston Gough's speed and Dave Read's strength and were fortunate to escape real punishment until well into the second half.

Not being able to call upon striker Wayne Fittall or experienced goalkeeper Paul Hyde, City were once again below full strength. That said, Matt Hewitt did a sound job in goal while the Read, Gough,Lawford combination up front never stopped pressing. Yet again Craig Southern ruled the midfield, in which Luke Lockhart took a solid holding role, winning everything in the air. In central defence Sam Baker had probably his most influential and constructive performance since being transformed from right back.

Coney Hall's more dangerous work came early when they attacked quickly and strongly down the left side, forcing Hewitt into an early confidence-building save. After only four minutes Gough raced through the visitor's defence on the left but his short centre was blocked out. He had to wait until the 17th minute to improve on that. A free-kick from Joe Smith was headed towards goal by Read but Gough added his own header to ensure that the ball finally beat the Coney Hall 'keeper.

For much of the game Read, who worked tremendously hard, seemed to be having one of those days in which effort would not get its just reward. He sliced the ball beyond the far post from Mike Seager's cross, but he was not alone in seeing shots narrowly escape the target. As half-time approached Lawford fired one only a few inches past the near post.

The second half began like a shadow of the first, Gough having yet another shot pushed away for a corner. Getting a foothold on a soft pitch was often the problem. Then, after fifty two minutes, City took complete control. Coney Hall had not made any profit out of what chances they had. They regretted seeing Gough chase down what seemed like a lost cause as the ball was swept forward. The Coney Hall 'keeper seemed to have the better chance of reaching it but Gough beat him to it and joyfully promoted the ball into the net.

City went on to create a host of chances. Read shot close after Gough broke away. Lockhart headed over from Seager's typically long throw, and Read sent another effort a foot wide. Gough seemed to have the beating of the Coney Hall 'keeper as he almost casually side footed towards what appeared to be a gaping target…the 'keeper made a superb save.

When Gough could not quite reach a low cross it seemed that City might have to be satisfied with a low score victory, but the introduction of Renford Tenyue added some originality on the left side. His ability to control the ball coming down from a great height was impressive. It led to City taking a three goal lead when another of City's subs, Luke Jackson, moved out of midfield into the penalty area and forced the ball over the line via a Coney Hall defender. With three minutes left Read finally got on the scoresheet after an afternoon of much effort and, until then, no prizes. His volley also brought a scoreline that will be noticed amongst the division's front runners.

CITY: Hewitt; Hossick, Baker, Lingham, Seager, J. Smith (Minshull), Southern (L. Jackson), Lockhart, Gough, Read, Lawford (Tenyue).