Yeovil Town took their unbeaten run in all games to 16 last night as a 2-1 home win over brave Ryman League Premier Division leaders Canvey Island saw them through to the quarter-finals of the FA Umbro Trophy.

But Jeff King's visitors, backed by a gallant yellow army of about 150 who made the eight-hour round trip to be part of a massive attendance of 3,616 at Huish Park, gave their famous cup fighting hosts plenty to think about before relinquishing their hold on a trophy they won at Villa Park last May.

This fifth round tie was originally due ten days ago but, on that date, due to three postponements at their ground, Yeovil were involved in a fourth round replay at fellow Nationwide Conference side Doncaster.

Keeper's ball - Yeovil custodian Chris Weale is put under pressure by Gulls' forward Neil Gregory 7JB7K8C

Yesterday's go-ahead was certainly not perfect timing for Canvey. Picking up the fifth booking of his term a fortnight ago meant that defender Ben Chenery missed the action on a one-match ban.

Chenery was the goal hero of last year's Trophy success, but his services were missed more for his superb defensive capabilities.

Canvey set off at a cracking pace and forced four corners in the first seven minutes. One came about when John Kennedy's shot was blocked and 33-goal star Lee Boylan saw his effort from the rebound saved by Weale.

Ward had to be at his sharpest as Yeovil hit back by using the speed of star man Adam Stansfield to unhinge the visiting rearguard but, when the striker was sent clear after 17 minutes, he rounded Ashley Harrison in the Canvey goal and shot home the opener.

Gulls gradually settled again on a pitch which, although heavily sanded, played reasonably well.

Much of their danger came from Chris Duffy and Steve Tilson on the left and the Islanders put on pressure for an equaliser as the first-half came towards a close.

Super sub - striker Paul Cobb tees up Canvey's consolation goal after coming off the bench 7JB7K3C

The two set-up Steve Parmenter for a goalbound effort which hit Roy O'Brien and went wide after 35 minutes.

With 14 minutes to go Canvey went for broke by taking off the tiring Bodley and replacing him with a third striker in the shape of Paul Cobb.

However, Yeovil were becoming increasingly dangerous on the break now and the speedy Stansfield was causing more and more problems. After 78 minutes Smith was controversially judged to have fouled him in the box and Nicholas Crittenden cracked home the penalty.

Canvey refused to give up the ghost and, after 88 minutes, Boylan's fine run saw Gregory set-up Cobb to reduce the deficit.

However, it was a case of too little too late for Gulls.

Published Wednesday, March 6, 2002