CUP: Thurrock Win Isthmian Charity Shield

Canvey Island 2 McDougald 38, Boylan 81
Thurrock 3 Hodges 7, Buffong 24, Kandol 87

Hodges Edges It

Nationwide South side Thurrock won their third trophy since May with a battling display against last year's Isthmian league champions Canvey Island on Tuesday night.

After a non-descript first few minutes Lee Hodges slammed a 20-yard free kick into the top corner of Harrison's goal to give Thurrock an unlikely lead. This seemed to give Thurrock loads of confidence and they bossed the game for the next twenty minutes with Martyn Lawrence going through, only to see his effort well saved by Harrison.

Thurrock's second goal came after 24 minutes. A wonderful deep cross by Collis was misread by the defender and John Buffong scored with his head as Harrison flapped. Thurrock were looking comfortable until five minutes before half time when McDougald scored a wonderful curling goal from the edge of the box. Buffong's cross did cause mayhem in the last minute of the half but no-one was able to apply the finishing touch.

Nationwide Conference newcomers Canvey started the second half as if manager Jeff King has given them a rocket at half time. Thurrock's back line held firm under a barrage of corners and pressure. One long ball from Collis found Simon Martin who turned well and had his low shot saved by Harrison. Billy McMahon then came to Thurrock's rescue with two wonderful saves in a minute.

Just when it looked like Thurrock would hold firm Canvey struck the equaliser. Boylan got room in the box and that could only have one outcome as he slotted just inside the post.

Canvey went in search of the goal that would prevent extra time, but got caught on the break, Hodges' battling won him the ball on the right flank and his excellent cross was headed back across Harrison by Kandol into the corner of the goal for a well taken winner.

Thurrock held on for another victory away from home and all that was left was for captain Jimmy McFarlane to collect another trophy as he lifted the Isthmian Charity Shield.

Man of the Match: Lee Hodges