Lee Boylan grabbed his 35th goal of the season last night as Canvey Island put themselves on the verge of a fourth successive appearance in the Essex Senior Cup final.

For the second time in five days, former West Ham striker Boylan was supersub as he came off the bench to grab a goal to save the Islanders having to go into extra-time against their Ryman Division One hosts.

On Saturday, Boylan had been pushed into action at home to Bedford Town in the Ryman Premier late into the game and grabbed the 88th minute equaliser which saw Jeff King's men grab a precious point in a 3-3 draw after being 3-1 down with 13 minutes to go.

Last night Boylan came on as substitute for Neil Gregory with just eight minutes remaining. He quickly made his mark by having an 87th-minute effort deflected for a corner before heading the set-piece just over.

However, he made no mistake two minutes from time when, fed by Spencer Knight's through ball, he beat the home goalkeeper with a superb lob.

Goal chances were at a premium in windy conditions at Harlow Sports Centre last night where ex-Billericay Town boss John Kendall was in charge of the home team for the first time.

Danny Cowley forced Islanders goalkeeper Paul Newell to a 20th-minute save and Gulls retaliated with midfielder Adam Miller shooting over from 25 yards.

Fans had to wait until the 78th minute for the next significant goalmouth action with John Kennedy shooting wide.

Just as most expected the quarter-final tie to go to an extra half-hour, and possibly even penalties, that man Boylan arrived to settle the issue.

Canvey now visit Billericay Town's ground next Monday night to take on Dr Martens League Premier Division Chelmsford City for a place in the final at Roots Hall on April 15.

Just who the winners will play is still open to question. Gulls' Ryman Premier rivals Purfleet have refused an order from the Essex FA to stage their semi-final with Nationwide Conference leaders Dagenham at Ship Lane tonight and the matter is now back with the County to be resolved.

King's men won the Senior Cup for two seasons on the trot before losing the 2000/01 final to Daggers on a penalty shoot-out.

Last night Canvey rested several key players in view of the importance of Saturday's League visit to Maidenhead.

Published Thursday, March 14, 2002