On a day when three of the teams above them in the Ryman League Premier Division were forced to share the spoils, Canvey Island gave their hopes of a high finish in their first year in the top flight a massive boost with victory at relegation-threatened Harrow.

This was the Islanders' first away success in the League since October 30 last year, but was much deserved against a home outfit who had little but hard work to offer.

The afternoon hardly got off to the best of starts for Gulls when traffic delays led to the players having to change on the coach and the game kicking off nine minutes late.

Against the elements in the opening half, Canvey were in front after 22 minutes when attack leader Neil Gregory received a pass from Sammy Cooper - both were to enjoy outstanding afternoons - and left two defenders for dead before shooting home past Harrow keeper David Hook.

With half-time approaching, Mark Stimson sent Cooper clear and, with Hook completely stranded, the visiting winger set-up Jeff Brazier to score the second with a well-struck effort which two defenders on the line were helpless to stop.

With the elements in their favour, the Islanders embarked on a shoot on sight policy after the break and Gregory had a header cleared off the line by defender Andy Rose with Hook beaten.

However, Cooper made it 3-0 after 65 minutes when he ran onto a Brazier through ball and gave Hook no chance.

Steve Tilson had a couple of efforts saved by Hook and Gregory was also thwarted by the busy home keeper. Harrow did pull back a consolation goal through Mike Bignall 15 minutes from time, but Canvey, despite being without suspended midfielder Chris Duffy, were well worth their success.

The Islanders, who won the competition in fine style last term, try for an Essex Senior Cup semi-final spot on Tuesday at Jewson League Clacton Town.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.