Catholic United entered the weekend sitting in sixth place in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division and will be keen to continue their encouraging form after last Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Harold Wood, with the Essex Bhoys picking up three wins out of their last four league matches.

Following last weekend’s success, Eamonn Kearney made two changes to the starting lineup, as Justin Price and Archie Armstrong were replaced by Tom Elliott and Zac Wing, with Tom Elliott taking the captain armband from Mike Sammut.
The opening ten minutes saw both sides create little at either end, with both goalkeepers having a quiet start to the match.

Catholic enjoyed keeping the ball in Canning Town’s half; as approaching the 15th minute, Catholic began to move dangerously in the opposition’s half. With Zac Wing sprinting past Canning Town’s backline, but the opposition intercepted the ball off Wing before entering the penalty area.

The final ten minutes of the match saw Richard Wilson award the Essex Bhoys a free kick following Michael Bernier being fouled by the opposition. Tom Kearney stepped up, but his delivered effort to Tom Eliott saw the captain unable to get a foot on the ball, ending up with the opposition goalkeeper winning the ball comfortably.

However, the 43rd minute saw the Essex Bhoys find the breakthrough, as Callum Broom blasted the ball from outside the 18-yard box, falling nicely into the bottom left corner.

Half time: Canning Town 0-1 Catholic United

Catholic started the second half the brightest, as Michael Bernier beat the opposition and managed to cross the ball towards the back post, but unfortunately Kearney’s shot was saved, preventing the Essex Bhoys from doubling their lead.
The 56th minute saw Zac Wing replaced by Charlie McGinn, where the visitors were searching to increase their one-goal advantage approaching the final 30 minutes.

After finding it difficult to cause the visitors’ problems, Canning Town started to move the ball regularly in Catholic’s half but dominant defending at the back, made it difficult for the home side to test Bailey Kelly, who has had a quiet afternoon.

With the scoreline still 1-0 to Eamonn Kearney’s side, the Essex Bhoys would have a huge opportunity to kill the game, as Fin Woods was brought down by the opposition, with Wilson pointing to the spot.

Tom Kearney stepped up for the spot kick, but his effort into the bottom left corner was saved, but the goalkeeper was unable to prevent Frank Bernier from converting the rebound, who doubled our lead. The final stages saw the opposition show their frustrations, as the hosts were fighting to score a consolation goal before the end. However, a disciplined midfield and a strong back line made it difficult for Canning Town to get back into the match, making it an impressive performance for the Essex Bhoys.

Full Time: Canning Town 0-2 Catholic United